Severe Winter Weather: ESSENTIAL PREPARATIONS, TRAVEL ADVICE, DRIVING TIPS & CLOSURES

up for anything

I've been asked by family to do a checklist of things that they should be doing in and around preparing to be snowed in for an hour/day/week/month/till Christmas '18. I also have two family members in the UK, one in London and one in deepest Wales, who are asking how they should be preparing. The Welsh one is probably better prepared than she thinks because it's a fairly regular occurrence for her. I remember the helpful lists in 2010 but damned if I can find any.provisions/actions lists here.

Also, I'm a scaredy cat driving on a bit of frost so any ice/snow is going to a challenge. I've ordered snow socks but any tips on snow driving - there's a short 30 degree hill out of one side of where I live down to a busy enough fast road and longer steeper hill the other way with a couple of nice turns into other estate roads on the way down. I usually hold my breathe and close my eyes on the way down which doesn't fill the neighbours with confidence.

Also tips for pets - dogs in particular - winter boots?

Atlantic Dawn

Buy a Subaru with all wheel drive.

mirrorwall14

Dustpan in the car works as a shovel in emergencies. Blanket just in case. If going on a journey where getting stuck is potential or like commuter traffic into Dublin in snow I’d be bringing a hot flask with me for delays

KingBobby

For those with horses/livestock etc a tip I heard (but have yet to try myself) for preventing water from freezing over is to half fill a few plastic bottles with water and put a load of salt in it and put the lid back on. Then the salty water bottles bob around in the trough and take longer to freeze over.
I'll be going out today and filling every spare bucket and container I can find with water as a back up supply if (when by the sounds of it) the pipes to the troughs freeze.

gozunda

KingBobby wrote: »

For those with horses/livestock etc a tip I heard (but have yet to try myself) for preventing water from freezing over is to half fill a few plastic bottles with water and put a load of salt in it and put the lid back on. Then the salty water bottles bob around in the trough and take longer to freeze over.
I'll be going out today and filling every spare bucket and container I can find with water as a back up supply if (when by the sounds of it) the pipes to the troughs freeze.

That or an old football thrown in will do the same trick

Victor Meldrew

Snow socks are ok up to about 3 inches of Snow, but are strictly a "limp home for a few kms " solution. And I can only speak to FWD and snow socks. I've RWD this time round and hope to just not need them. Automatic vs manual is less of an issue than people go on about. All cars have ABS now. You might need to turn off traction control to get out of a parking space, but turn it on again once on the road. You are not better at driving than your car.

My concern is pipes freezing in the house. And having to make trips to help less clued in family members (in laws) who are incapable of planning for anything.

In 2010, we muddled through and I can only remember 2 days where getting to work was not an option. It did come as a shock to us though.

up for anything

My washing machine is in a shed/garage beside the house but the water pipe that feeds it was run from the kitchen around the back garden to the shed and where it comes out of the ground to feed into the shed it's exposed for about four foot. I'm hoping that some torn up sheets coupled with pipe lagging from Woodies will provide enough protection to stop it from freezing up. In 2010 because it was still business as usual by day most of the time I used to run the washing machine non-stop pretty much throughout the night.

mirrorwall14

Stocking freezer, fridge and non perishables for if you can’t get out to the shop. We have a tiny freezer. A few discussed today I hadn’t thought of.

Meat like pork steak have long dates so can go in the fridge. Short date meats into the freezer. Wraps and even pitta have longer dates so if you can’t get out for bread and aren’t a cook that’s an option. Similarly cookable bread rolls have decent dates. Soups and pasta and all those go without say. If you have lots of freezer space milk can be frozen

Cantona's Collars

up for anything wrote: »

My washing machine is in a shed/garage beside the house but the water pipe that feeds it was run from the kitchen around the back garden to the shed and where it comes out of the ground to feed into the shed it's exposed for about four foot. I'm hoping that some torn up sheets coupled with pipe lagging from Woodies will provide enough protection to stop it from freezing up. In 2010 because it was still business as usual by day most of the time I used to run the washing machine non-stop pretty much throughout the night.

I installed water pipes in a domestic property before which needed to be buried and insulated. What I did was put some 4inch pipe around the water pipe and drilled holes in the 4 inch at regular intervals then simply sprayed expanding foam into the holes until it was completely full of the stuff.Simple but effective......just don't forget to block the ends of the 4 inch with something while you are spraying.

Larbre34

Y'know those damned Irish Water meters that a good few of us got a present of and that are now rotting useless in the ground? Well they were installed with the bare minimum of insulation and usually badly, so pop the cap off the chamber, get attic insulation, lagging or newspaper and surround that valve and hose connection good and tight. We didnt have them in 2010 and they are very vulnerable to freezing.

Mafra

Can I just ask a quick question please?
How well do snow chains actually work? If it does snow, will I be able to trudge wherever I please or is it worth the hassle of fitting them?

Larbre34

Mafra wrote: »

Can I just ask a quick question please?
How well do snow chains actually work? If it does snow, will I be able to trudge wherever I please or is it worth the hassle of fitting them?

They do rely on fairly heavily trafficked roads and some clearing of snow. Dense overwhelming blizzards and lying snow and ordinary family cars with two wheel drive, you might as well not bother

Calibos

Mafra wrote: »

Can I just ask a quick question please?
How well do snow chains actually work? If it does snow, will I be able to trudge wherever I please or is it worth the hassle of fitting them?

If you live up the mountains Yes. If you live near treated roads where you'd have to be taking them off and putting them on again all the time. No.

Snow Socks are better for the latter scenario because they are easier and quicker to put on and take off but they aren't as good as chains in bad snow.

For me in Bray, Snow Socks will be enough to get me out of trouble if I need them. For someone in Roundwood, chains.

Chavways

I'm due to drive from Limerick to Dublin and back on Wednesday evening/night to attend a concert. I'm assuming eith the current forecast, this trip will be very sketchy even though I'll be on the M7 the entire way?

cherryghost

If you are away for the week or know someone away for the week, do NOT turn off your heating. Keep it running a few times a day for at least a short period in order to prevent freezing pipes.

gozunda

Larbre34 wrote: »

Y'know those damned Irish Water meters that a good few of us got a present of and that are now rotting useless in the ground? Well they were installed with the bare minimum of insulation and usually badly, so pop the cap off the chamber, get attic insulation, lagging or newspaper and surround that valve and hose connection good and tight. We didnt have them in 2010 and they are very vulnerable to freezing.

Unfortunately the chamber of the water meter is not completely sealed against water getting in - so newspapers etc may get damp.

A good material to fill the void is packing Styrofoam pieces. I'm thinking of the ones that look a bit like Cheesy Wotsits - you can put them in to the chamber and they will fit nicely around the meter and provide some decent insulation.

Mafra

Larbre34 wrote: »

They do rely on fairly heavily trafficked roads and some clearing of snow. Dense overwhelming blizzards and lying snow and ordinary family cars with two wheel drive, you might as well not bother

Thanks for the response! Hope we get a little bit of dense overwhelming blizzard conditions.

It’s mainly because I’ve always had really good 4x4’s and could drive up the snowy mountains with no effort. However changed my trend of vehicle for a more poncy version and it’s turned out to be pretty bad up the mountains. (Like to do a bit of photography and general larking in the snow). Just wondered if snow chains would be the answer to get me back up the hills..

Mafra

Mafra wrote: »

Can I just ask a quick question please?
How well do snow chains actually work? If it does snow, will I be able to trudge wherever I please or is it worth the hassle of fitting them?

The big issue is that the HGVs will get stuck on inclines and you'll be trapped in the tailbacks. Chains will be useless then.

The local authorities have had plenty of warning about this so lets hope they are on the ball with snow ploughs and salt, and treating before it snows and during.

Also would be useful to know which roads have been treated and are passable..

gozunda

Chavways wrote: »

I'm due to drive from Limerick to Dublin and back on Wednesday evening/night to attend a concert. I'm assuming eith the current forecast, this trip will be very sketchy even though I'll be on the M7 the entire way?

Keep an eye to the AAs Newsroom Traffic watch and Twitter feed. Wednesday forecast doesn't look that bad for road travel at present. Later in the week could be a different matter though ...

Mafra

Calibos wrote: »

If you live up the mountains Yes. If you live near treated roads where you'd have to be taking them off and putting them on again all the time. No.

Snow Socks are better for the latter scenario because they are easier and quicker to put on and take off but they aren't as good as chains in bad snow.

For me in Bray, Snow Socks will be enough to get me out of trouble if I need them. For someone in Roundwood, chains.

Thanks for the reply. Sorry should’ve added seems to cope fine in general conditions but not very well on steep inclines trudging up the mountains. So really for that purpose.

Super-Rush

I'll be making dinners that I can easily freeze today.

Meatballs, curries, stews, soups, stuff that can be put in a freezer bag to maximise freezer space.

Cereals and tinned foods and boil in the bag stuff as well.

I'm also going to get some charcoal for the bbq if the power goes.

Water cans will be filled and batteries for torches are already in good supply after Ophelia.

All we can do after that is wait.

Mafra

[Deleted User] wrote: »

The big issue is that the HGVs will get stuck on inclines and you'll be trapped in the tailbacks. Chains will be useless then.

The local authorities have had plenty of warning about this so lets hope they are on the ball with snow ploughs and salt, and treating before it snows and during.

Also would be useful to know which roads have been treated and are passable..

Thanks a lot! It’s an suv and pretty good to be fair on general roads but when it really bad like on steep parts going up the mountains it’s not as good as others I’ve had. At lower levels it’s had no problems. Just wondered if chains might help getting up steep impacted bits etc.
Probably help if I proper winter tyres but not intending to buy a set of tyres for a few days of snow.

A little nervous about our current flat, it's in an old Georgian building that's all electric heating and hard to get warm at the best of times. Worried about frozen /burst pipes and if the power goes we'll have no heat or way cook food...

RocketRaccoon

mattser wrote: »

Nothing but threads about snow, cold, etc. etc. If you want extreme weather go to Alaska, Siberia, and such. Stop whinging about our little snap that an extra pair of socks would deal with.

Those countries are used to that cold and can deal with it. Ireland cannot.

Mountainsandh

Mafra wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Sorry should’ve added seems to cope fine in general conditions but not very well on steep inclines trudging up the mountains. So really for that purpose.

I have chains and have used them here several times(I just live 190 m asl and there's a hill down). They're brilliant to have for going down/up my hill, but have to be taken off as soon as you start hitting more bare patches. Still, invaluable for me since without them I wouldn't have got home on several occasions.

There's hardly anyone going up or down my road in snow events, so I found these times when I put them on and the snow was fairly deep and fresh that I had to stop and tap the inside of the opening of the wheels as the snow packs all around the wheels (you know, where all cow-dirt and mud normally pack) and has nowhere to go. I'm grand because I don't have that long, maybe 2 km until I hit less afflicted ground, so when it happened I just stopped for a quick clean up and on I went. Maybe have a broom handle or stick in the car for that.

edit : I drive Toyota Corollas, little chance I would skid upwards enough to get home

kenmc

bazlers wrote: »

Would it jinx it all if I make a sleigh today☔️☔️

I'm going to. Popped into Dutch bike shop in goatstown to get some little sliding trays too, some other snow fan buying a toboggan for his baby too. Plenty of plastic sleds in stock, 25 quid I think.

George Sunsnow

JCX BXC wrote: »

2 days out, forecasts haven't gone haywire! Think it's safe to say that this won't be a repeat of the 2012 failed easterly.


Not sure what I can do ultimately. We've a gas heater that's entirely independent of electricity (it's portable and not connected to the mains), however everything else is electric, cooking, heating etc. If the power goes it's going to be fun! I'll try pick up a few foods edible without being cooked, maybe a bit of water and the other 'christmas' essentials!

Portable generator hire?
See attached
You’d want to take that decision now though even if you ended up not needing it
€100 for the week

Mafra

Thanks a lot! Sounds good. That’s pretty much what I need them for. Every time we get some hill snow I like to get out and about but I need an extra something as this vehicle isn’t as good as the others I’ve had for mountaineering in those conditions.

Mountainsandh

Super-Rush wrote: »

I'll be making dinners that I can easily freeze today.

Meatballs, curries, stews, soups, stuff that can be put in a freezer bag to maximise freezer space.

Cereals and tinned foods and boil in the bag stuff as well.

I'm also going to get some charcoal for the bbq if the power goes.

Water cans will be filled and batteries for torches are already in good supply after Ophelia.

All we can do after that is wait.

I lost about 200 euros worth (or slightly more) of meat/food from my big freezer after Ophelia (2+ 5 days without power) so I'm not filling it up this time. Overloaded trees could fall on lines ... Going to stock up on dry foods like pasta, porridge and such instead. Might put some milk in the freezer, bits that won't break the bank if they go to waste.

I have some big water bottles left over after Ophelia, will probably fill some more, and get batteries today, you can never have enough batteries anyway.

Thanks for starting this thread UFA

I have questions myself.
Was wondering, should I leave taps dribbling over night, or would leaving the heating on suffice, to protect any pipes from freezing?

Also, the tank in attic, is there anything, I should do there, to protect it?

BBQ briquettes, is a brilliant idea, Super Rush.

Thanks all

RobertKK

For the people who have the wedding and the eye surgery in Kilkenny. The councils in the various counties will be working to keep main roads operational but the more rural non primary routes will be left to their own devices.
Kilkenny will get most likely a lot of snow as it has done so historically from these type of events.
It comes down to safety and that has to come first, it will be freezing by day and with heavy snow showers when you have these events/appointments.
The weather warnings will likely say, stay at home and be safe.

Mountainsandh

Jake1 wrote: »

Thanks for starting this thread UFA

I have questions myself.
Was wondering, should I leave taps dribbling over night, or would leaving the heating on suffice, to protect any pipes from freezing?

Also, the tank in attic, is there anything, I should do there, to protect it?

BBQ briquettes, is a brilliant idea, Super Rush.

Thanks all

We have one of them thermostat anti-freeze heaters for the nook where the water tank is up in the attic. There's a switch outside the trap (in the house that is), and we stick it on as a preventative measure when it's cold. One year it froze due to the little pipe that sticks out on the outside (roof) for overflow or something, started there I think and ran all the way in. Not much you can do other than these specially designed heaters as far as I know. We had tried wrapping it up but that didn't make a difference.

edit : I don't remember the ins and outs of it, but I think we had to put that pipe in for similar overflowing situations

JCX BXC

George Sunsnow wrote: »

Portable generator hire?
See attached
You’d want to take that decision now though even if you ended up not needing it
€100 for the week

Wouldn't be possible I'm afraid, would work for some people. If the worst happens I can always decide to stay a night at a friend's who has a generation hooked up

gozunda

Mountainsandh wrote: »

I lost about 200 euros worth (or slightly more) of meat/food from my big freezer after Ophelia (2+ 5 days without power) so I'm not filling it up this time. Overloaded trees could fall on lines ... Going to stock up on dry foods like pasta, porridge and such instead. Might put some milk in the freezer, bits that won't break the bank if they go to waste.

I have some big water bottles left over after Ophelia, will probably fill some more, and get batteries today, you can never h88ave enough batteries anyway.

Remember if it's freezing outside with snow on the ground - use the conditions to store food. Place perishibles in a cool box or other sealed container and put outside in a sheltered spot.

Edit: by perishibles I mean milk butter hard cheese and no not raw meats etc ...

gozunda

Jake1 wrote: »

Thanks for starting this thread UFA

I have questions myself.
Was wondering, should I leave taps dribbling over night, or would leaving the heating on suffice, to protect any pipes from freezing?

Also, the tank in attic, is there anything, I should do there, to protect it?

BBQ briquettes, is a brilliant idea, Super Rush.

Thanks all

Think that already came up. A big No in my opinion. During the last freeze in 2010 this resulted in empty attic tanks and low levels of water in local resevoirs.

Install a light fitting in your attic and leave on to keep air above freezing You could do this with a length of electrical cable with a standard light fitting on one end and a plug on the other. Secure to a rafter and run cable to nearest socket.

Grandeeod

gozunda wrote: »

Remember if it's freezing outside with snow on the ground - use the conditions to store food. Place perishibles in a cool box or other sealed container and put outside in a sheltered spot.

Back in 2010 I ran out of space in the fridge for beer. So I left it in the boot of the car. Came out icy cold every time.:D

optiplex780

What will the story be with public transport? Like at what stage would busses and the dart stop running?

Meteorite58

Mod Note: please keep to the spirit of this thread. Stay on topic.

Cantona's Collars

The meat deals in Aldi this weekend are great, large chicken for €4, hams, steak and lovely diced lean steak which is cheaper than their stewing beef. Fill the freezer for small money.

Pentecost

optiplex780 wrote: »

What will the story be with public transport? Like at what stage would busses and the dart stop running?

Don’t think they’d run if there’s a red warning. Otherwise they’ll run if they’re actually able to.

Pentecost

Pentecost wrote: »

Don’t think they’d run if there’s a red warning. Otherwise they’ll run if they’re actually able to.

Have memories from 2010 of being on a Dublin Bus for close to 3 hours for what is normally a 30 min journey. Had to get off and walk the last few km. If they do run they're risky especially if driving into the suburbs where the roads aren't cleared as well.

Jake1

Jake1 wrote: »

Thanks for starting this thread UFA


Also, the tank in attic, is there anything, I should do there, to protect it?

leave the attic hatch open a bit at night

km79

gerrybhoy wrote: »

Nah get your BBQ dusted down

I am cleaning ours out today as a backup if electricity goes ......

thomasj

Deleted User wrote:

Have memories from 2010 of being on a Dublin Bus for close to 3 hours for what is normally a 30 min journey. Had to get off and walk the last few km. If they do run they're risky especially if driving into the suburbs where the roads aren't cleared as well.

I recall them stopping after 6pm in the worst of the days in 2010. Luckily had the train as backup.

Not sure how the luas would fair .

Wanderer78

Deleted User wrote: »

leave the attic hatch open a bit at night

we installed a small fan heater in the attic a few years ago after 2010, does the job

xtal191

]

OmegaGene wrote: »

Don’t use hot water to clear the windscreen
The amount of neighbours I see on the school run coming out with steaming kettles is crazy


Good tip about the meat deals in ALDI, I’m off to get few chickens and bottled water, I’m sure they have salt for the drive too

thomasj

thomasj wrote: »

I recall them stopping after 6pm in the worst of the days in 2010. Luckily had the train as backup.

Not sure how the luas would fair .

Yes I think on that occasion I had got on one leaving town just before they made the decision to stop the service! For most of the rest of the week the buses weren't running out my way at all!

Cloudio9

thomasj wrote: »

I recall them stopping after 6pm in the worst of the days in 2010. Luckily had the train as backup.

Not sure how the luas would fair .

Luas was a disaster in 2010 https://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1202/295056-live_weather_transport_updates/

Cloudio9

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

Possible but I think that is a bit early for disruption, more likely the Wednesday morning commute.

Yeah at least on Wednesday I can make a decision to work from home. My fear is getting stuck in the city.

Nettle Soup

I see zero evidence of panic buying out west. I guess we are tougher.

km79

I’m onlyafter realizing it was 2009 and not 2010 that’s our pipes froze
We did a small bit of work to try and stop them freezing after 2009 but I’m not entirely convinced that’s what it was
My wife was off on mat leave so maybe the water was running a bit more ................

I genuinely can’t remember now was it in 2009 or 2010 we got down to minus 13/14 in east Galway ????
Redsteveirleand?