The extreme weather events of the last year from storms to heatwaves and droughts are likely to be repeated with even greater frequency, according to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

At times the weather in Ireland can seem extreme but we’ve got nothing on the Russian village of Oymyakon is the coldest permanently inhabited settlement in the world.

The ‘Beast from the East’ Siberian snow storm set to grip Ireland from tonight could cause as much havoc as the historic 1982 freeze that brought the country to a standstill.

As the ‘Beast from the East’ fast approaches, Cork County Council is not only preparing for polar conditions but is also worried about the cost as the Government does not properly reimburse it for the damage such weather events can cause.

Farmers have been warned to take precautions in the face of extreme weather.’