We need to take each storm alert as it comes
IN the wake of Storm Ali there has been a lot of talk about so-called ‘storm fatigue’ and of whether of not the weather warnings went too far or not far enough, and whether or not we need to be more cognisant of them.
In advance of the storm, Met Éireann issued a Status Orange weather warning for the majority of counties with warnings that it could be extended nationwide.
As usual many people bemoaned the fact that their plans might be changed and that certain restrictions might apply, and already appeared to have forgotten the carnage caused in some areas by Storms Emma and Ophelia.
Those who are responsible for the weather warnings are meteorologists and scientists, not psychics.
They predict weather incident as best they can with the information they have before them.
While we live on a small island, the variations in regional weather can be enormous and therefore it’s not surprising that sometimes, the weather can vary from even county to county.
Storm Ali claimed the lives of two people last week so how can anybody say that the authorities got it wrong?
In reality, lives were certainly saved as many who might have been out and about in a lesser warning, took the advice given and stayed indoors until the storm passed.
Of course the cancellation of a full day of the Ploughing Championships was regrettable for so many people, but the organisers had the sense to listen to what they were told and close for a day to avoid putting thousands of people at risk.
We are facing an ever-changing climate whether we like it or not, and it is likely that more extreme weather conditions both in summer and winter will become a fixture, maybe not in the space of two or three years, but eventually.
While storm warnings will become more common, it doesn’t mean they are any less significant.
We need to treat each incident as it comes, and to listen to the expert advice given each time.
This talk about not paying attention unless a Status Red alert has been issued is rubbish and anyone who follows this theory needs to rethink their view.
After all, wouldn’t it be preferable to have our plans slightly changed than to face a potentially life-threatening situation?