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An overnight weather warning can rapidly bring severe disruption by morning for fleet operators
The devastation wrought by the storms of winter 2024 and 2025, particularly Darragh, Isha and Éowyn, has exposed just how quickly severe weather can disrupt a fleet’s schedule. A logistics company with ten vans will face problems but the priority will be maintaining services while keeping staff safe. Preparation begins with the practical details: how journeys are planned, where vehicles are parked and what can be maintained when regular routes become unavailable.
The warning ends but the disruption doesn’t
Storm Éowyn, regarded as one of Ireland’s worst storms since 1961, swept across the country in January 2025. With gusts of up 184 km/h recorded in Mace Head, Co Galway, power disruptions were widespread and over 768,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity. More than a week later, there were still almost 75,000 customers without supply and power was not fully restored nationwide until 11 February.
As Ireland’s climate continues to change, the country is expected to experience longer dry spells and more heavy rainfall events. Heavier rain and rising seas will make flooding more likely. While it is difficult to accurately predict future storm frequency and intensity, the science is clear that we can expect more storms, leaving many businesses vulnerable to increasing levels of damage.
Where is your fleet most at risk?
Start with two questions to determine the risks and where they are most likely to occur – where are your vehicles parked, and what happens if you can’t reach them or your usual routes? The OPW’s Floodinfo.ie maps are a good starting point to identify potential flood hazards. Of particular concern should be vehicles that would be costly to replace or critical to the running of your business. In the event of a flood what alternatives are available? Put a named person in charge of each action.
What each Met Éireann warning means for your fleet
Under Irish health and safety legislation (The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005), employers must protect the safety, health, and welfare of their workers “so far as is reasonably practicable”. During severe weather events, this means considering the risks associated with working in potentially hazardous conditions. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) recommends employers make sure that driving in adverse weather is covered in their company’s driving for work risk management policy.
A Met Éireann yellow weather warning means there could be dangerous conditions on an exposed road or a route vulnerable to flooding so the message is to check your emergency plan and communication systems, and think about which routes and jobs are most exposed. When an orange warning is in place, review every journey, delay or cancel where you can, and carry out a risk assessment for the forecast conditions. A red warning is the most serious warning and means don’t travel unless it’s essential. Always follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.
Who makes the call?
Forecasts can change overnight, so nominate a specific person to check Met Éireann and travel updates before each shift. Make sure all staff are aware of storm and flood procedures and know who to contact if conditions deteriorate. The Health and Safety Authority’s advice to drivers is clear: “Never feel pressurised to complete a journey if weather conditions are too dangerous.”
When the lights go out
A power outage means no depot office and possibly no phone signal. Monitor ESB Networks’ PowerCheck for outage reports and estimated restoration times, and keep a printed list of driver numbers and emergency contacts. In the event of an incoming storm suitable charging alternatives should be identified for any electric vehicles in the fleet.
What your insurance covers
Now is a good time to review all the terms and conditions of any insurance, leasing, maintenance and recovery arrangements. Ask your insurer if flood damage and storm cover is included, what the excess is, and who can authorise a recovery truck. All drivers should understand what actions need approval and how to find provider details and policy contacts if they cannot access the office. A breakdown kit should be in every vehicle, with a hi-vis vest, torch, warning triangle and first aid kit, plus the breakdown firm’s number and your emergency procedure.
Getting moving again
Only return to normal business when it is safe to do so. Before resuming regular work schedules, assess all route restrictions, access to the premises, and the condition of affected vehicles. Keep both customers and drivers informed on revised plans and what they can realistically expect. If a vehicle has been in floodwater, get it professionally checked before it goes back on the road.
Five things to do now
- Assign authority: Agree in advance on who can stop operations, give drivers instructions and approve a return to work.
- Assess exposure: Review which vehicles, routes and parking areas are most vulnerable and agree when vehicles should be moved.
- Finish all vehicle checks: Ensure all servicing and outstanding repairs are up to date and pay particular attention to vehicles that would be difficult to replace.
- Check cover: Insurance, leasing, recovery and replacement agreements should all be reviewed. Make sure the details, numbers and procedures are easy to find.
- Prepare for outages: If service goes down, all staff must still be able to access essential contacts.