LAST UPDATE | 4 Jan
STATUS ORANGE WARNINGS have been issued for counties in the south of the country across this weekend, while the rest of the country is under various Status Yellow warnings.
A status orange rain and snow warning has been issued for counties Cork, Kerry, and Waterford, valid until 5pm tomorrow. Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations is expected.
The same three counties also face a status yellow rain warning, which took effect at 1pm and will remain until 5pm tomorrow. Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow is expected, with potential impacts said to include hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption, and localised flooding.
Cork County Council said its crews have inspected key high-risk areas and “will continue to monitor the situation throughout the period”. Sandbags and pumping arrangements have been put in place where required. As a precautionary measure, flood barriers are being erected in Fermoy and Mallow, it said.
Motorists are asked to avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions will be hazardous. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.Rainfall may limit the effectiveness of salting already undertaken. Motorists should continue to exercise care even where roads have been treated.
Members of the public can contact Cork County Council’s Out of Hours number 021 4800048 to report any out of hours issues.
A status orange snow-ice warning has been issued for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary.
The impacts are expected to include very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus), difficult conditions underfoot, and animal welfare issues, Met Éireann said.
The All-Ireland semi-final between Errigal Ciaran and Dr Crokes that was meant to take place tomorrow has been postponed following a pitch inspection at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
Severe weather on the way across the country. Please take care and follow the latest advice. https://t.co/cxKBgVCoIW
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 4, 2025
A status yellow snow-ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, and Connacht has been issued, valid from 5pm this evening until 5pm tomorrow.
Wexford also faces a status yellow warning, for rain and snow, valid until 5pm tomorrow.
All of Northern Ireland is under a status yellow snow and ice warning, valid from 9pm tonight until 6pm tomorrow evening.
In a post to X, Taoiseach Simon Harris warned of the severity of the weather conditions. “From this evening until tomorrow evening, significant snow and sleet will fall,” he said.
“A particular challenge with this weather event is that it will remain very cold for most of next week so it will take time for snow, ice etc to thaw. All relevant government agencies and stakeholders are working closely together, nationally and locally.”
Harris added that there are gritting plans in place by local authorities and road agencies, but warned of adverse travelling conditions. He also said that there are plans in place to aid people sleeping rough during the cold snap.
“Please follow updates and advice,” he finished.
Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) continue to monitor conditions locally and emergency response are ready to respond where and when necessary, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group said.
Adequate salt supplies are in place, and local authorities will continue to salt roads as well as footpaths in urban centres where possible.
The National Transport Authority has confirmed that all public transport authorities are on alert in anticipation of potential disruption due to the predicted weather. Commuters should check with their operator before undertaking any public transport journeys.
National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, Keith Leonard, emphasised the safety advice for the public – which includes careful driving given the conditions and checking with public service operations for disruptions caused to various public transports.
“We are going to see difficult travel conditions for much of the country in the coming days,” he said. ”Footpaths can also be extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice so please take extra care while walking.
“Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so I’d advise people to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.”
He said that the department is liaising with regional leads to provide emergency beds for rough sleepers.
“Finally, I would urge all members of the public to take extra care with all activities and to check out the Met Éireann and Be Winter Ready websites for further updates and advice.”
Uisce Éireann has issued a reminder to people to protect their water pipes from the freezing weather at home or in their business/farm.
It said to check outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises.
Uisce Éireann is asking people to conserve water and not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on your local water supply.
Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
Over the weekend, temperatures are expected to be dropping to -7 in some places at night, and the long cold snap is expected to stick around well into next week.
Motorists are expected to check their tyre tread before driving, including spare wheels they might be travelling with, to insure the tread has not fallen below 3mm. If it is the case, the RSA says motorists must replace the tyre.
Similarly, motorists must make sure all of the lights on their vehicles are in working order before driving and that all windows and mirrors are clean and clear. Drivers are asked to travel with care, at a safe speed and a safe distance from others.
Drivers should consider taking a hi-vis vest, a tow rope, spare fuel, a shovel, boots and other emergency equipment with them when travelling and also allocating extra time for their journey.
In a statement yesterday, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue called on farmers to prioritise safety during the current cold spell of weather.
“I am urging all farmers, fishers and everyone in rural areas to be extra careful during the current cold spell of weather,” he said.
“While farmers always make every effort to look after livestock during poor weather, they must prioritise their own safety and the safety of those working and living in rural communities.
“Livestock are resilient during cold weather once they have access to adequate feed and shelter. It is important that farmers have measures in place to ensure outwintered and housed livestock have access to fresh water during freezing conditions.”
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