The Met Office has calculated that damage due to severe weather costs the UK more than £1bn every year. It has estimated that the 90mph gales experienced in January alone could cost £150m.
The Met Office has devised a 'Severe Weather Impacts Model' to assess these costs and show the financial benefits of being prepared for bad weather. It predicts that savings could be as much as £60m per year.
The head of government business at the Met Office, Stewart Wass, said: "The model illustrates that severe weather can have a catastrophic effect economically and socially.
"It also indicates that with improved resources, such as a more detailed forecasting service and increased awareness and warning within our infrastructure services, the impact of severe weather can be reduced with millions of pounds saved."
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
