LAST UPDATE | 9 Feb 2020

A STATUS YELLOW ice and snow warning has been issued for the entire country as thousands of homes remain without power after Storm Ciara made landfall overnight. 

The snow and ice warning kicks in at midnight and will be in place for 48 hours. 

“Widespread wintry showers on Monday and Tuesday with some snowfall accumulations, especially in the west and north. Some disruption to travel is possible, particularly over higher routes,” Met Éireann said. 

A status yellow wind warning has also been issued nationwide and is in place from midday today until noon tomorrow. 

A status orange wind warning has also been issued for six counties, and will kick in tomorrow at 6am.

“Storm Ciara will continue to produce very strong west to southwest winds over Ireland with mean speeds of 50-65km/h and gusts generally of between 90 and 110km/h, higher in Atlantic coastal areas.” 

Storm Ciara

Thousands of homes remain without power after stormy conditions and gusts of up to 130km/h hit the country overnight. 

Strong winds overnight left over 10,000 homes and businesses without power. 

As many as 3,3364 customers are without power in Crane, Co Wexford with up to 2,723 without power in the Foxhole area of Co Cork. 

Up to 1,251 customers have also been left without power in the Ennis North area, Co Clare. 

ESB Networks has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the power outages. 

Updates on most faults, along with their expected restoration times can be found here. 

AA Roadwatch is advising drivers to be extra cautious on the roads today. 

“In windy conditions, give extra space to others, especially pedestrians and cyclists, and expect wind-blown debris.” 

A combination of spring high tides, high seas and stormy conditions has created a significant risk of coastal flooding, particularly along western and north-western coasts, according to Met Éireann. 

In Co Clare, flooding was reported in Inagh, Kilrush and Kilnamona while the flooding in Ennistimon is understood to be severe. 

In Limerick, there was flooding on the N69 between Robertstown and Foynes northbound and on the N22 at Clonkeen in Co Kerry. 

In Leinster, there’s still heavy flooding on the Nangor Road in Clondalkin Co Dublin and the AA reports excess surface water on the M9 northbound between J3 Athy and J4 Castledermot.

Ireland’s longest bridge, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge which opened recently on the Wexford-Kilkenny border, is closed until further notice due to severe weather conditions. 

The Road Safety Authority also warned road users to prepare for the cold weather. 

“In snow and icy conditions slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends,” the RSA said. 

The organisation said that drivers should use dipped headlights at all times, and fog lights in heavy snow. 

The RSA also told pedestrians to “be seen”. 

“Wear bright clothing but ideally wear a high visibility jacket, reflective armband or reflective belt,” the RSA advised. 

In advice published this afternoon, it advised drivers to clear windows and mirrors before starting a journey, as well as ensuring that all snow is removed from a vehicle before starting a journey. 

The Promenade in Tramore, Co Waterford has also been closed until later today due to high winds. 

Several of today’s sporting events have also been postponed as the impact of Storm Ciara is felt.

Here’s a list of events that have been affected

Flights cancelled 

The National Parks and Wildlife Service had also advised the public not to visit national parks, national monuments or nature reserves while Met Éireann wind warnings are in place.  

Connemara National Park, Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, and Derryclare Nature Reserve were among the locations closed due to the wind warning.

A number of flights were also cancelled to and from Shannon and Dublin Airport due to Storm Ciara. 

Anyone travelling today is asked to check their flight status with their airline before travelling to the airports.