Ahead of the arrival of Storm Éowyn tonight, Teagasc has issued a series of safety tips for farmers to consider on their yards.
Met Éireann has issued a series of Status Red weather warnings for “severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h” across the entire country.
The national forecaster said that there will be a “danger to life” as the storm tracks across the country, along with extremely dangerous travelling conditions and significant and widespread power outages.
The highest category of weather warning will come into force at various points in the early hours of Friday morning (January 24) before being gradually lifted later in the day.
A Status Orange wind warning has also been issued for the entire country from 2:00a.m until 4:00p.m on Friday.
As well as that, a Status Yellow rainfall warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford will be valid from 9:00p.m on Thursday until 5:00a.m on Friday.
Storm Éowyn
In advance of Storm Éowyn, Francis Bligh, health and safety specialist at Teagasc, has shared a number of safety tips for farmers.
Firstly, he encouraged farmers to check on family members and neighbours who may not realise the warnings are in place.
As power supplies may be interrupted for a period of time, Bligh said it is important to be prepared, by checking your mobile phone is fully charged, having sufficient food, drinks and battery operated lights.
While generators can be an important source of back-up power, farmers are advised to ensure the generator is used with a proper changeover switch at the main distribution board, and installed by a registered electrical contractor.
Farmers are asked to check their yards are secure before the very high winds begin, including shed doors, gates, loose metal or plastic sheeting.
Bligh said the advice is to stay indoors during the Status Red weather warnings so “think about the jobs that are necessary”.
“Feed animals and carry out husbandry tasks so that they do not need to be done during the high wind. Milking times should be adjusted to avoid peak wind events.
“If lambing or calving is taking place, consider the risks associated with leaving the house. Always use a vehicle if moving in the yard during a wind event,” he added.
If your car, jeep or tractor is usually parked near a building or a tree, it may be worth considering an alternative parking space during the storm.
Teagasc said that “great care must be taken to avoid contact with fallen or damaged electricity wires”.
ESB Networks has the following advice in the event that you come across fallen wires:
- Always assume an electricity line is live and keep a safe distance away;
- Never try to remove trees or handle stock in contact with fallen wires;
- Report any damage, however small;
- Contact ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999.
Bligh said that driving in stormy conditions can be very dangerous and should be avoided, if possible.
“In ideal circumstances, only emergency services should be on the road during orange and red warning storm conditions.
“If the reason for travel is an unexpected health related event contact the emergency services first,” he said.