FOLLOWING the extensive damage done to many counties during Storm Ophelia this week, Met Éireann yesterday issued another weather warning for the weekend as Storm Brian looks to upset the clean up after Monday’s ex-hurricane.

Some parts of the west, according to the national forecaster, will experience winds that will be stronger than they were during Storm Ophelia. A status orange wind warning is in place for a number of coastal areas as winds of up to 80km/h and gusts reaching 130km/h are expected.

A separate status yellow rainfall warning is in place for Atlantic coastal counties with up to 50mm of rain possible.

In order to keep your animals, and yourself, safe this weekend on farms, keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Be mindful of the dangers of fallen trees and electric wires, and leave the assessment of damage in such circumstances to trained professionals from the electricity companies.
  • Securely fasten shed doors and stay away from older slate-roof sheds.
  • Bring a family member or neighbour to check on livestock, and in more exposed and remote areas, wait until the storm abates to do so.
  • Remove any loose boards, wire, fence posts, around the yard and fields to reduce the chance of injury to livestock by flying objects.
  • Move machinery into sheltered areas.