It can be one of a Farm Manager's biggest headaches: the weather. As Spring brings severe weather across central Kentucky, farms across the state are forced to deal with multiple threats along with the changing seasons–snow or ice storms, heavy rain and flooding, high winds, lightning, and even tornadoes. With herds of horses scattered across hundreds of acres, those fast-moving Spring systems require a farm to be ready at a moment's notice to keep both human and equine safe.
A strong area of low pressure swept across the region Friday, March 3. At its peak, the storm produced wind gusts of between 60-80mph through the afternoon and evening hours which downed trees and power lines, keeping customers in the dark for days following. The National Weather Service in Louisville, KY reported a new daily record rainfall of 2.79″ that day, the 7th wettest March day in the city's history. In addition, several weak tornadoes touched down west of Louisville including an EF-1 which damaged property in and around Johnsburg, KY while packing 105mph winds.
For the Thoroughbred farms in central Kentucky, having a plan in place to deal with these threats is key.
“If there is impending severe weather coming like we had [that] Friday, we have all the horses in the barns to protect against lightning, falling trees and downed fences,” said Claiborne Farm Manager Bradley Purcell. “Sometimes during the summer, these storms come up quick and there just isn't enough time to get the horses up so it's safer for the staff not to try and get them up. When we know severe weather is coming again like [that] Friday, we let all the employees go early so they can get home to safety and not chance getting caught out in the storm traveling home. Planned or forecasted events we plan like we did Friday. The pop up storms we just don't chance getting the staff in harms way and we have them stay in a safe place on the farm.”
While Kentucky saw only one lightning-related death in 2022, thunderstorms remain one of the top risks to those working outside.
“When caught outside during a severe thunderstorm or tornado, the best option is to seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately,” advised Mike Kochasic, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the Louisville office of the National Weather Service. “A basement is the best place, or if there's no basement, an interior room without windows (a closet or bathroom) is a good option.”
Source: thoroughbreddailynews.com
Categories: Kentucky, Weather