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COLD WEATHER will continue for the next several days with Met Éireann forecasting sleet, snow and low temperatures across the country.
The forecaster has implemented Status Yellow weather warnings for most of the country since this morning, with more warnings expected as conditions worsen.
It probably won’t reach the 2018 Beast from the East level, but here’s everything you need to know about winter weather right now.
Snow?
Will it snow where you are tomorrow?
If so, what time and how much? ☃️
The following animation runs from midnight tonight through Friday afternoon.
Blue / yellow / wine colors = rain
White / green = snow
The heaviest snow will be on high ground in Munster and South Leinster.#snow pic.twitter.com/FQHKApPcW9– I met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 10, 2021
Met Éireann has prepared a practical animation to show the chances of it snowing where you are in the country today.
The heaviest snow will be experienced on elevated terrain in Munster and south Leinster during this period, the forecaster said.
These are the approximate times for when the rain / snow will arrive:
- Cork – 7am - rain / sleet
- Galway – 11:00 am – sleet / snow
- Dublin – 9:00 p.m. M. light snow
- Belfast – no snow – mostly dry weather
A couple of days ago, graupel (also known as snow pellets) was seen falling from the sky, unlike normal snow.
I met Éireann explained These are formed when super cooled water droplets freeze into a snow crystal.
The forecaster said there will be sleet and snow in the southwest this morning. This will gradually spread out into Munster, Connacht and south Leinster during the day, with snow drifts leading to some dangerous conditions.
Snow covered hills in Glenasmole, Co Dublin on Tuesday.
Source: PA
This snow will turn into rain or sleet in the southern or southwestern coastal areas. It will remain mostly dry in other parts of the country, with periods of sunshine.
However, it will still be windy and very cold with maximum temperatures of one to three degrees.
The winds are expected to be stronger in the west and southwest.
Tonight, there will be sleet and snow in Munster, Connacht and Leinster from the start. This will be largely confined to Leinster throughout the night, with the rain continuing to the south coast.
Temperatures will remain between one and minus two degrees.
As for tomorrow, there will be persistent sleet or snow in Leinster in the morning and rain will continue in the southern coastal counties.
In the afternoon, the rain will move through the west and potentially turn into sleet or snow in the northwest of the country.
Temperatures will reach between four and eight degrees in Munster, but will remain colder in the rest of the country with highs of one to four degrees.
Weather warnings
Status Yellow Weather Warnings Thursday.
Source: Met Éireann
The public was warned yesterday to expect disruptions to travel systems, along with additional weather warnings in the coming days.
A yellow snow / ice status warning went into effect at 8am this morning for Munster, Connacht and Leinster. It will stay in place until 8 am tomorrow.
Snow of up to 5 cm will be experienced in some parts, but tonight it will turn to rain in the west and south of the country.
There will be snow accumulations of up to 5cm in some parts of the country, Met Éireann said.
There is also an additional state yellow wind advisory for Munster, Connacht and Leinster from 8 am today to 8 am tomorrow, with strong to hurricane winds from the southeast expected.
The forecaster said the winds, combined with rain, sleet and snow, will lead to poor visibility and dangerous conditions.
Plans in place
Sophie Marini Lazarov photographed in Dublin last month.
Source: RollingNews.ie
The National Directorate for Fire Management and Severe Weather Emergencies said yesterday that today’s snow accumulations could generate “dangerous conditions in some areas.”
The group said these accumulations have the potential to disrupt transportation.
Yesterday stressed that all unnecessary travel must continue to be avoided in accordance with current public health advice under Level 5 restrictions.
The group continues to meet daily, working with Met Éireann, the Office of Public Works, local authorities and other government departments.
In Dublin, the city council has a winter maintenance plan for the next few days.
The city’s roads have been paved throughout this week and all road users, including cyclists, have been advised to “be careful on the roads and slow down.”
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) has also activated its extreme weather plan.
There is room capacity available each night and if the weather worsens, the DRHE has “additional emergency beds ready to go into operation”.
In Cork, the county council is salting the roads as needed and there are snow plows on standby to be deployed if needed.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution, especially near shores, as strong winds on land combined with snowfall could create dangerous road conditions.
In Galway, city hall crews and gritters are on standby and members of the public are advised to take “all necessary precautions to stay safe”, particularly those still commuting to work.
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Travel
Photographer Leon Farrell in 2018 pulling his car out of the snow in Co Kildare.
Source: RollingNews.ie
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has advised all road users to take extra care on the roads this week.
They said people should check local traffic and weather conditions before taking any (essential) trips.
In terms of practical advice, the RSA said that people should remove all snow from their vehicles before hitting the roads.
Snow left on the roof will loosen and may fall on the windshield when the vehicle brakes. You could also fall while driving.
People should also clean windows and mirrors with a screen scraper and defroster. It is recommended not to use hot water on the windshield, as it could break the glass.
The RSA advised slowing down in snowy and icy conditions, using the controls gently, and leaving extra distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. People are also advised to use the highest possible gear in cars to avoid wheel spin.
In snowy conditions, visibility will be greatly reduced, which is why the RSA advised against driving with the taillights of the vehicle in front of you.
“This can give a false sense of safety and it will be too close to be able to brake safely,” RSA said.
Cars must use low beams at all times. Fog lights should be used in heavy snow to ensure cars can be seen by other vehicles.
Pedestrians are advised to wear high visibility clothing or carry a flashlight, wear appropriate footwear, walk on the trail instead of the street, walk on the road facing traffic if there are no trails, and use extreme caution when approaching any icy or snowy area to avoid drift.
Cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to ensure that their lights are working properly and to wear high visibility clothing.
Pets
A dog walking in Dublin yesterday.
Source: Sam Boal
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) issued some tips for keeping pets safe during periods of frost and snowfall.
The group said some pets, such as small dogs, sighthounds, short-haired dogs and older dogs, may have lower tolerances for freezing temperatures when they go out for walks.
He recommended taking shorter, more frequent walks on colder days and contacting your vet for further advice if necessary.
Try to keep dogs off salt-covered roads and wipe their paws, paws, and belly to remove any salt and de-icing chemicals that may have gotten into them.
These can cause stomach irritation or upset if the dog licks them, the ISPCA said.
Don’t leave pets outside for extended periods on cold or humid days, and make sure they have a warm shelter available that is away from harsh conditions.
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