Our weather is becoming more extreme. Met Éireann is the main body tasked with analysing weather patterns to predict extreme events, with warnings given where appropriate. Weather warnings are presented in three categories: yellow, orange and red, similar to a traffic-light system, with yellow posing the least risk and red posing the most.
It is implicit that yellow-level weather alerts are for weather conditions that do not pose an immediate threat to the general population, only to those exposed to risk by nature of their location and/or activity. The warning is intended to allow such people to take preventative action.
Orange-level weather warnings are for weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas.
An orange alert implies that all recipients in such areas should prepare themselves in an appropriate way for the conditions expected.
Red-level weather warnings should be comparatively rare but are severe events – they imply that recipients should take action to protect themselves and/or their property. This could mean moving their families out of the danger zone temporarily, by staying indoors or by other specific actions aimed at mitigating the effects of the weather conditions.
Careful self-assessment of weather conditions needs to take place as well, as weather conditions can rapidly deteriorate. A red warning extending out to neighbouring counties previously under an orange warning, for example, can easily happen. For both orange and red weather alerts, aim to have all stock work completed before the alert kicks into place, and avoid, if at all possible, working during the period. This may not always be possible, but your health and wellbeing is paramount.
Flooding
Flooding poses a risk to both dwelling houses and animal welfare. While the above weather-alert system for rainfall will go some way towards planning for impending flooding, it’s always important to consult the OPW flood mapping available for your area at www.maps.opw.ie and www.floodmaps.ie. The Office of Public Works has also provided a large amount of useful information on the website www.flooding.ie in relation to mitigating flooding damage.
If flooding risk is high, move animals to higher ground. While the opposite is true when it comes to snowfall (when animals are usually brought down from hills), ensure animals close to rivers or other waterbodies have access to higher ground that you can access to reach them for welfare reasons, if required.
Carefully assess the depth of floods before driving through them. Tractors can usually cope better with higher water levels than cars or jeeps, but you still need to be certain that it is safe to drive through. Roadways may have subsided or bridges may have suffered damage that could pose a serious risk to your safety.
Where your yard is at risk of flooding, take the necessary actions. Ensure surrounding drains have been cleaned in the hope that they will take the floodwater away rapidly. Keep electrical equipment off the floor, including any tools in the farm workshop. The same goes for chemicals such as sprays and sheep dips, which should be kept elevated to prevent pollution of water. Where possible, divert water away from soiled water or slurry tanks; concrete plinths or changing the slope of concrete can direct clean water away to drains.
