WEATHER
Whether the weather
How does the weather affect how I trade?
At IOMST, we know how much the weather can affect your working day. If you trade outdoors, you may have stock prepared, customers expected and a busy weekend ahead, only for the forecast to change.
Losing a day’s income is difficult, but protecting yourself, your customers and those trading beside you must come first. Whether you use a gazebo, a stall or a catering unit, knowing your equipment’s limits and having a plan can help you respond safely.
Weather Warnings: What Do They Mean for You?
Met Éireann’s warnings reflect the expected weather conditions and their possible impact. Always check the type of warning, the area affected and when it starts and ends.
An Orange wind warning presents different risks from an Orange rain warning. The conditions at your particular trading location also matter, including how exposed the site is.
STATUS YELLOW – Weather Alert – Be Aware.
A Yellow warning can mean dangerous conditions for people exposed because of their location or activity. As an outdoor trader, you may be among those at risk.
This is the time to review the forecast, check your setup and take appropriate precautions:
- Secure your gazebo or unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check that hatches, doors and covers can be fastened safely.
- Secure stock, signs and other loose items.
- Follow any instructions from the organiser or local authority.
- Be prepared to delay opening or stop if conditions become unsafe.
A Yellow warning does not mean every outdoor stall is safe to operate.
2.STATUS ORANGE – Weather Warning – Be Prepared.
An Orange warning indicates dangerous conditions that may pose a threat to life and property. Met Éireann advises reviewing activities and events and delaying or cancelling them as appropriate.
For an Orange wind warning, our advice is to plan to suspend exposed outdoor trading during the affected period. Check the organiser’s arrangements before travelling or setting up.
Having your own gazebo, or adding extra weights, does not establish that it is safe to continue. The forecast gusts, site conditions, equipment limits and risks to people nearby all need to be considered.
If an indoor alternative is available, check with the organiser whether it can safely accommodate your activity. Make any preparations before the weather deteriorates.
3. STATUS RED – Severe Weather Warning – Take Action.
A Red warning indicates very dangerous conditions requiring action to protect people and property.
Our advice is to suspend outdoor trading in the affected area for the warning period and follow official instructions. Allow enough time to secure your stall and stock and leave safely before conditions worsen.
Do not wait until severe winds arrive to begin dismantling a gazebo. If conditions are already dangerous, prioritise getting people to safety rather than trying to save equipment or stock.
Before you travel or set up
Check the latest forecast for both the venue and your journey. Confirm whether the event is proceeding and how the organiser will contact you if arrangements change.
Read your equipment’s manufacturer guidance, particularly its wind limits and anchoring requirements. There is no single wind speed that makes every stall safe or unsafe. Your equipment, its installation and the conditions at the site all matter.
Plan how you will stop trading safely, including the time needed to pack away and any access restrictions for your vehicle.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Stall and Stock
Windproofing - Securing Your Gazebo or Unit
Protecting Your Goods from Rain
Indoor Markets:
Keep Track of Weather Alerts
Ready for the Weather? 🌪️
When Should You Stop Trading?
Keep monitoring conditions throughout the day. You may need to stop before a warning is upgraded if:
- Your equipment’s operating limits are likely to be exceeded.
- Your gazebo, signs, stock or fittings become unstable.
- You cannot keep hatches, doors or covers secure.
- Customers, staff or neighbouring traders are exposed to danger.
- The organiser, local authority or emergency services instruct you to stop.
Do not rely only on how the weather feels at your stall. Conditions can change quickly, and a sheltered spot may still be affected by sudden gusts.
Clear Communication Helps Everyone
Before attending an outdoor market or event, ask how weather-related decisions will be communicated.
It is helpful to know:
- Who will issue updates and instructions.
- Whether you will receive a text, email or another direct notification.
- When the decision about opening will be made.
- What to do if conditions worsen during trading.
- How you will be told when trading can resume.
Make sure the organiser has your current contact details. Keep relevant instructions and a brief record of the precautions you took, as these may help explain your decisions if an incident occurs.
What about your insurance?
A weather warning alone does not determine whether a particular incident will be covered. That depends on your own policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions, alongside the circumstances of the claim.
Continuing despite a known danger, or disregarding an instruction to stop, may affect how an insurer assesses a claim. Having insurance should never be treated as permission to continue in unsafe conditions.
Ask your broker or insurer about any weather-related conditions and the precautions expected of you.
Remember that public liability insurance concerns your legal liability for injury to other people or damage to their property. It should not be treated as cover for damage to your own stock, gazebo or equipment. Check whether you have suitable separate cover for those items.
If an Event Is Cancelled
Even with careful preparation, an event may be cancelled at short notice because of weather or site conditions.
Before booking, check the organiser’s cancellation terms, including how stall fees will be handled. Consider how you would manage prepared stock, particularly perishable goods, and keep customers informed if your plans change.
Do not assume that your insurance covers lost income or cancellation costs. Ask your broker or insurer whether you have any relevant cover.
Why This May Matter to You
A clear weather plan can help you avoid unnecessary travel, protect your stock and make difficult decisions before conditions become dangerous.
Keep this short checklist in mind:
- Check the forecast and warnings before travelling and throughout the day.
- Know your equipment’s limits.
- Follow the organiser’s updates and official instructions.
- Be ready to stop and leave safely.
- Understand what your insurance covers.
Weather cannot be controlled, but preparing early gives you more time to respond.
Helpful links
This guide provides general information. Your insurance documents and any endorsements determine the cover available. For specific insurance questions, contact your broker or insurer. Cross Insurances Ltd or AIG.
Grainne & Greg