The storm has claimed its first casualty (Picture: ITV)

Emmerdale has confirmed the first person to die in the killer storm that is ravaging the village during the 50th anniversary episodes.

Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton) is dead after lightning struck a crashed quad bike, exploding it and sending her and Kim Tate (Claire King) flying.

Harriet had already been crushed under the vehicle when it toppled down the steep hill, on top of her.

Kim had found her and pulled her free. But disaster struck, and the impact of the explosion finished Harriet off and left Kim injured.

Kim was horrified as Harriet died; and with her horse having galloped away in fright, Kim had no choice but to leave Harriet where she was.

Kim arrived back at Home Farm, bloodied and in an emotional state.

Will and Dawn Taylor (Dean Andrews and Olivia Bromley) were rocked to the core when Kim explained what had happened – and that Harriet was dead.

Harriet’s crash ended in tragedy (Picture: ITV)

More: Trending

It is the first confirmed victim of the storm, but a week of dramatic episodes still awaits the audience – and more casualties will follow.

The tragedy sees an end to Katherine’s nine year tenure in Emmerdale.

She arrived as a new vicar in the village, initially pushing the nose of Ashley out of joint.

A former detective, Harriet had a colourful past; and it transpired that she had been undercover in order to try and bring Will to justice.

When he tracked her drown, he tried to kill her but eventually, they were back on good terms and even rediscovered their spark.

Harriet also took her ‘stepdaughter’ Dawn under her wing, supporting her through drug addiction and custody fights.

Harriet didn’t make it (Picture: ITV)

The character was also involved in other major storylines, including being stabbed and left on a motorway layby and also engaging in a steamy affair with bad boy Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).

She had fallen for him, but it was a battle she would eventually lose to Moira (Natalie J Robb).

In another major storyline, a corrupt officer she had worked with, DI Malone, made her life hell.

And, in a horrific showdown, he tried to rape Dawn and Harriet knocked him to the ground. Dawn then shot Malone dead and Harriet and Will buried the body, and covered for her.

It knocked Harriet’s faith hard and she locked herself in a cellar to try and repent with her bible.

Ironically, Kim, who would later become Harriet’s mortal enemy, turned out to be the saviour and got rid of Malone’s body to prove her love for Will – she was now implicated.

Fans had theorised that the storm might unearth Will’s body, something which Katherine cheekily played along with a bit.

However, boss Kate Brooks distanced the show from the storyline, effectively making it one of those secrets that will remain buried forever.

Quite, tragically, like poor Harriet herself.

Emmerdale continues Tuesday October 18 at 7:30pm on ITV.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

MORE : Emmerdale bosses on how they decided who dies in big storm

MORE : Ex Emmerdale star John Middleton hits out at soap’s reliance on ‘stunt after stunt’

One main character is already dead – spoilers inside.