As Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, approaches Ireland, homeowners are being urged to take preventative steps to protect their properties from heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding.
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning as the storm moves across the country from today Thursday evening into Friday morning, with a separate warning for Dublin and Wicklow overnight. The forecast is a timely reminder of the damage severe weather can cause and the importance of preparing homes before conditions deteriorate.
Storm Éowyn in January 2025 became the most expensive weather event in Irish insurance history, costing insurers €301 million across almost 34,000 claims. At its peak, up to 768,000 homes and businesses were left without power. Storm Ophelia in 2017 caused an estimated €500 million to €800 million in damage, while storms and flooding during winter 2013/2014 generated approximately €46 million in insurance claims.
Many common problems can be prevented or reduced through a few straightforward checks.
The good news is that a lot of storm preparation doesn’t need a tradesperson at all. Clearing your gutters, securing garden furniture, checking outdoor drains and charging a torch all take minutes and cost nothing. These simple checks can make a real difference in preventing damage when severe weather arrives.
Homeowners are advised to clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes, secure or bring indoors loose garden furniture, trampolines and bins, and close shed doors and windows. Outdoor drains should be checked for blockages, particularly near doors, patios and driveways. Charging phones and torches, knowing the location of the fuse board and stopcock, and parking vehicles away from large trees and overhead power lines are also recommended.
However, some jobs are best left to qualified professionals. Roofers can identify loose tiles, damaged flashing and other potential sources of leaks, while qualified tree surgeons can assess hazardous branches. Electricians can inspect fuse boards and outdoor electrical installations, and plumbers can assess drainage issues and recommend measures to reduce flood risk. Loose fencing, gates and damaged sheds should also be secured before high winds arrive.
“Anything involving roofs, electrics, hazardous trees or drainage is safer and more effective when handled by a qualified tradesperson. If you notice a loose tile, an overhanging branch or a recurring drainage problem, address it before the weather turns,” Laverty added.
If flooding occurs, valuables and electrical items should be moved to higher ground where it is safe to do so. People should never touch electrical equipment in flooded areas. Once conditions are safe, qualified professionals can assess any structural, electrical or water damage and advise on necessary repairs.
