Weather Warning and Key Public Safety Messages
We are entering into a very cold spell with unstable conditions with very disruptive weather over the weekend with an area of low pressure sending up some heavy rain, sleet and snow across the country from the south through Saturday and continuing Saturday night and Sunday. The precipitation will fall mostly as rain in southern counties, but mostly sleet and snow further north. Some significant snow accumulations are expected and strong winds expected also.
This cold spell is expected to extend into at least the middle of next week with lying snow, some wintry showers and widespread severe frost and ice and some freezing fog also.
Current Warnings:
Status Yellow - Low Temperature/Ice warning for Ireland
Very cold with widespread frost and ice as temperatures fall to -3 degrees or below in many areas.
Potential Impacts:
- Hazardous travelling conditions
- Animal welfare issues
Valid: 18:00 Thursday 2 January 2025 to 11:00 Friday 3 January 2025
Weather Advisory for Ireland
Sleet and snow in places this weekend, with some disruption possible.
A spell of rain will spread northwards over Ireland during the course of Saturday, turning to sleet and snow in some areas. Rain, sleet and snow will continue for a time on Sunday before clearing eastwards into the Irish Sea.
Significant accumulations of snow are likely in some counties.
Potential Impacts:
- Hazardous travelling conditions
- Travel & service disruption
Valid: 00:00 Saturday 4 January 2025 to 00:00 Monday 6 January 2025
Key Public Safety Messages
- Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions
- Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
- The RSA website provides information and advice for road users during severe weather.
- Cyclists need to exercise extreme caution during this cold weather spell. While key arterial routes are being gritted nightly, there are many cycle routes that may not be gritted.
- Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
- Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintery weather; people are advised to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.
- Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours
- Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
- The Be Winter Ready website provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
- People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit Met Éireann for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- All disruptions to HSE services are on the HSE homepage and it is being regularly updated on HSE social media channels.
- ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
- Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 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 Uisce Éireann.
- People are advised to conserve water, and visit Uisce Éireann for advice
- Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
- Those travelling by air should allow plenty of time for their journey. Passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly.
- People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.
Check www.met.ie for the latest weather forecast and weather warning updates.
