A Status Yellow snow and ice warning is in effect for 11 counties while a separate Status Yellow wind warning is in effect for three counties in the west and southwest.
Weather Warnings in Effect
The snow and ice warning for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo and Wicklow began at 9pm last night and will remain in place until 9am this morning.
Met Éireann has also issued a Status Yellow wind warning for counties Clare, Kerry and Galway. This warning is in effect from 2am this morning until 6am, and is expected to bring difficult travel conditions and the potential for displaced debris.
Showers may fall as sleet or snow, with some accumulations possible, particularly on higher ground. Temperatures are expected to fall to between 0C and 3C, and surface water from previous rainfall is likely to freeze, creating icy conditions on untreated roads and footpaths.
Met Éireann advises caution even in counties not directly under warning, due to potentially hazardous driving conditions and slippery footpaths. Scattered showers of hail and sleet may continue throughout the night.
Travel Disruption Reported
Irish Ferries cancelled some sailings between Dublin and Holyhead yesterday, including the 7.30am departure from Dublin and the 1.15pm departure from Holyhead. Disruptions were also reported at Dublin Airport, where eight inbound aircraft had to perform “go-arounds” and three were diverted to other airports.
Shannon Airport facilitated diversions from both Cork and Dublin airports, transferring passengers by coach to their original destinations. The daa advised passengers to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight updates.
Looking Ahead
According to Met Éireann forecaster Siobhán Ryan, the current conditions are described as “routine March weather.” While temperatures are expected to rise slightly over the weekend, a “little edge” will remain. Saturday is likely to be drier than Sunday, which will see a return of the wind-chill factor.
The forecast for next week remains changeable, with a possibility of rain on St Patrick’s Day. There are “tentative signs of high pressure building,” but Ms. Ryan cautioned that St Patrick’s Day weather “can be dry and sunny” or “temperatures in the low single figures,” and this year’s conditions are likely to fall somewhere in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties are under a Status Yellow snow and ice warning?
Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo and Wicklow are under a Status Yellow snow and ice warning, in effect until 9am this morning.
What counties are under a Status Yellow wind warning?
Counties Clare, Kerry and Galway are under a Status Yellow wind warning, in effect until 6am this morning.
What did Met Éireann say about the conditions?
Met Éireann forecaster Siobhán Ryan described the conditions as “routine March weather.”
Given the potential for hazardous conditions, what precautions are you taking to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you?
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