Today marks the start of what Met Éireann has called a “multi-weather hazard event” with very cold conditions expected to be felt late into next week.
Snow, ice and heavy rain are to sweep over the country today with a series of weather warnings coming into effect later today.
Met Éireann has said this cold snap will lead to very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, delays to public transport, difficult conditions underfoot as well as animal welfare issues.
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The most significant snowfall accumulations are expected across parts of Munster and south Leinster.
This morning, Met Éireann has added Waterford to the list of counties that already includes Cork and Kerry and that will come under a Status Orange rain and snow warning from 5pm today until 5pm tomorrow.
A 24-hour Status Orange warning for snow and ice for counties Carlow, Clare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Offaly, Tipperary and Wicklow will also come into effect from 5pm this evening.
⚠️UPDATE TO WARNINGS: Waterford has been added to the status orange rain and snow warning.
Please keep up to date with all current warnings➡️ https://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un and on our App. pic.twitter.com/NLMUwGJo5A
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 4, 2025
A Status Yellow rain and snow warning has been issued for Wexford
Met Éireann is warning of heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow.
The warning is valid from 5pm today until 5pm tomorrow.
A Status Yellow ice warning, issued by the UK Met Office, remains in place for counties Antrim, Derry, Down and Tyrone until 10am today.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will come under a serious of Status Yellow weather warnings at various stages today.
Met Éireann has said that given the cold conditions are set to last late into next week, any snow that falls over the weekend will be slow to clear and this could lead to further complications and more sustained hazardous travelling conditions.
With significant accumulations of snow in some regions, especially across the midlands and southwest drivers are being warned of hazardous travelling conditions.
People are advised to consider if the journey merits the risk tof driving in adverse conditions.
If you must make the journey, you should allow extra time for travelling and ensure that your headlights and taillights are all in working order.
08:47⚠️ 🟠Weather Alert
Significant snow and ice expected across Munster this evening from 5pm Saturday 4th January & tomorrow Sunday 5th.
📍 Passengers should check with their airline for up-to-date flight information.
📍Allow extra time for your journey to the Airport pic.twitter.com/KWsTsw7iuE
— Shannon Airport (@ShannonAirport) January 4, 2025
