Storm Austen: Storm Damage to Commercial Property and What to Check After High Winds

Strong winds can leave commercial buildings with damage that is easy to miss at first. A slipped roof tile, loose gutter or small gap around a door can let water in when the next shower arrives.

Storm Austen was named on 20 October 2026, the first named storm of the 2026/27 season. The Met Office forecast strong winds and rain for parts of southern England, south Wales and the southwest, with conditions expected to ease later on Friday. Norfolk was not in the main warning area, but forecasts reported gusts of around 47mph on exposed parts of the coast this weekend. Forecasts can change, so keep checking the latest Met Office warnings.

If you manage a care home, school, shop, office, hospitality venue or a portfolio of properties, a short check after high winds can help you spot problems early.

Start with safety

Do not approach damaged areas until it is safe. Keep staff, visitors, tenants and customers away from fallen branches, loose building materials, broken glazing and damaged fencing. Put up barriers or signs if you can do so safely.

Never climb onto a roof or use a ladder in windy conditions to inspect damage. A roofline may be unstable, and loose tiles or other materials could fall. Arrange a professional inspection instead.

Take extra care around water and electricity. If water is near sockets, lighting, electrical equipment or a consumer unit, keep clear. Do not touch wet electrical fittings or walk through standing water where electrical hazards may be present. Isolate a supply only if it is safe to reach the switch and you are authorised to do so. If there is immediate danger to life, call 999.

Where there is no immediate danger, record what you can see from a safe place. Photos can help you explain the issue when you report it. Don’t put yourself at risk to get a better picture.

Check the roofline and gutters from the ground

Look for missing, slipped or damaged roof tiles, loose flashing, and anything hanging from the roof edge. You may also notice debris on the ground or water marks on external walls. These can be signs of a problem above.

Check gutters and downpipes for visible blockage, sagging or separation from the building. Wind can loosen fixings, while leaves and other debris can stop rainwater draining away properly.

A damaged tile or loose gutter may seem minor, but it can let rainwater into the roof or walls. If more rain is expected, report it promptly rather than waiting to see whether it gets worse. Keep people clear of the area below any loose or damaged materials.

Look for water getting in

Inside the building, check ceilings, upper-floor rooms and areas beneath roof edges or windows. Signs to look for include:

• New damp patches or discolouration

• Drips, pooling water or a musty smell

• Bubbling paint, swollen materials or damage around a window

• Water reaching stored items, furniture or equipment

If you find water near electrics, keep clear and follow the safety steps above. If it is safe, move people and movable items away from the affected area. Use a container to catch a small drip only if you can do so without entering a hazardous area.

A leak can spread beyond the visible patch. Tell your maintenance provider where you found it, when you first noticed it, and whether it is still active. If you can, note whether the weather has changed or the leak has worsened.

Inspect glazing, doors and access points

Check windows and doors for cracked panes, damaged frames, gaps or signs that they no longer close securely. Wind can also affect locks and hinges, leaving an entrance difficult to secure or unsafe to use.

Keep people away from damaged glass. Don’t try to remove broken panes or force a damaged door into place. If the building has another safe entrance, use it and direct staff or visitors accordingly. If the premises cannot be secured, treat the issue as urgent and make clear in your report that access or security is affected.

Check outside areas and drainage

Walk around the site only when conditions are safe. Look for fallen branches, loose fencing, displaced signage or other objects that could present a hazard. Keep people clear of anything unstable. Don’t attempt to lift or move heavy items, or anything tangled with cables.

Check drains and gullies for leaves and windblown debris. Blocked drainage can cause water to collect around entrances or flow back towards the building. If water is already building up, report the location and whether it is affecting access or getting inside.

Make a note of any damage to external lights or signs. If an area is dark or difficult to use safely, restrict access until it can be checked and repaired.

Don’t leave small damage until the next downpour

Minor storm damage can become more serious when rain returns. A loose tile can allow water into the roof space. A blocked or detached gutter can direct water down a wall. A small leak can spread into ceilings, fittings or stock.

Reporting a problem early gives you a clearer next step. It also means you don’t have to decide which trade is needed before asking for help. If a fault presents a safety risk, affects security, or is causing active water damage, make that clear when you report it. You can also read our guide to when a property repair becomes an emergency.

What information should you include in a report?

When you contact your maintenance provider, share:

• The property address and the best person to contact

• What you have noticed and where it is

• Whether anyone is at risk or an area needs to be closed

• Whether water is entering or damage is getting worse

• Any steps taken, such as restricting access or isolating a supply safely

• How the repair team can access the property

Photos taken from a safe position can be useful. You do not need to identify the trade or diagnose the cause. A clear description helps the right response be arranged.

One report. A coordinated response.

Storm damage can involve more than one trade: roofing, drainage, glazing, joinery, electrics or general repairs. Coordinating each contractor yourself adds work at a time when you may also be managing tenants, staff, residents or customers.

With Property Caretakers, you tell us what has happened. We assess what support is needed, coordinate the appropriate trades and keep you updated as the repair progresses. You have one point of contact, rather than needing to work out who to call and chase each person separately.

If you need to report storm damage, call us on 01603 210980 or use our contact page. Tell us what you can see and whether there is an immediate safety, security or water-ingress concern. We’ll help establish the next step.

A careful check after high winds can help you spot damage before it causes more disruption. Keep people safe, report concerns promptly, and leave roof-level or hazardous inspections to the right professionals.