AN ARTCTIC air blast has hit Ireland with temperatures plummeting to a freezing -10C – as major Irish airports have issued warnings for passengers.
It also means that thousands of travel plans could be disrupted by the adverse weather conditions.
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As it stands, Met Eireann has placed all counties under some form of weather warning for the frosty weekend.
Eleven counties have been issued a Status Orange Snow and Ice warning with forecasters stating there will be “significant snowfall accumulations”.
This means there will be very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, animal welfare issues, and travel disruption delays to be expected for public transport, including aeroplanes, trains and buses.
Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry and Waterford will expect harsh weather conditions from 5pm today and will last 24 hours.
Elsewhere, the rest of the country is under a yellow warning for snow, rain and ice for the same period.
Taoiseach Simon Harris is set to hold an emergency team meeting ahead of the severe cold snap and heavy snowfall, ruling out plans for the country to navigate through the weekend.
He has issued a warning ahead of the weekend on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Just finished a briefing with the Directorate of Emergency Management on the severe cold snap and snow event Ireland will experience.
“From this evening until tomorrow evening, significant snow and sleet will fall. Travelling conditions in many places will be very dangerous.
“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.
“There are gritting plans in place by local authorities and road agencies. We have a large supply of salt. Energy supplies are also good.
“A cold weather plan for rough sleepers has been activated. The national group will continue to meet regularly. Please follow updates and advice.”
Forecasters are predicting snowfall that could see accumulations of up to 10 centimetres in some parts of the country.
And they stressed that the change in weather could mean travel disruptions for many.
DUBLIN AIRPORT’S URGENT WARNING
Dublin Airport announced that they have procedures for snow and ice events but holidaymakers should continue to check their flight status.
Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at DAA, said: “We’re ready for winter at Dublin Airport, with our fully-trained snow and ice teams ready to roll out whenever they are required over the coming days and weeks.
“The team has been on standby for the entire festive period and deployed as and when required.
“As always, we’re fully engaged with Met Eireann and keeping a close eye on the forecast, with more cold weather expected and potentially some snow showers around the country too over the coming days.
“One of the main jobs for the Dublin Airport team at this time of year when temperatures drop close to zero degrees is to ensure that our runways and airfield are de-iced and operational.
“Meanwhile, airlines and their ground handling crews will be working hard to ensure their planes are de-iced where required.”
He added: “It is also possible at this time of year that snow, ice and poor weather conditions could impact other airports, which could have a knock-on effect on flight schedules.
“As always, passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly.”
MAJOR IRISH AIRPORTS WARNINGS
Shannon Airport took to social media to announce potential travel disruption to their services due to the cold snap.
They wrote: “Weather alert: Significant snow and ice expected across Munster this evening from 5pm Saturday 4th January & tomorrow Sunday 5th.”
They urged passengers to check with their airlines for up-to-date flight information, whether the flight is continuing according to schedule or if there will be some delays.
Passengers are asked to allow themselves extra time on their journey to the airport as difficult road conditions are expected, meaning public transportation services may be cancelled due to bad road conditions.
Snow is expected to hit Shannon Airport from midnight but there’s a slight chance it could start earlier.
In the event of a serious delay, Shannon Airport encourages passengers to check the airport services desk in the arrivals hall to assist with extra costs caused by the weather delays.
At the moment, flights are operating normally, but some travel delays are to be expected during the warning period.
Cork Airport also issued a warning for their passengers over the frosty weekend.
They wrote: “Those intending to travel to Cork Airport over the weekend are advised to allow ample time for their journey with potentially hazardous travelling conditions expected.
“For the most accurate and up-to-date flight information, passengers are advised to contact their airline or refer to their airline’s website/mobile app.”
And they urged passengers to follow advice from the local authorities and weather guidelines during the warning period.
Ireland West Airport and Kerry Airport have yet to issue any warnings, but it is most likely that the previous airport’s warnings also apply to these two airports.
If unsure, do reach out to the customer service of the airport, where they can provide you with accurate information about your flight and the situation of the airport during the cold snap.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TRAVEL DISRUPTION
At the moment, there has not been any reporting of public transportation delays caused by the weather conditions yet but it is expected to experience some travel disruption from 5pm onwards.
Bus Eireann urges commuters to regularly check the service updates section on their section before travelling in the event of potential service disruption caused by the weather.
They said: “We would like to advise all intending passengers to check the Service Updates section of our website, before travelling, for potential service disruptions due to adverse weather.”
Irish Rail issued a warning ahead of the severe cold snap for the weekend.
A spokesperson said that all routes are planned to operate at normal schedule but delays and travel disruptions may occur.
In the event of travel disruption, they will issue an update on the website or their X’s page.
They said: “Snow alert this weekend, please stay safe: Consider if your journey is necessary. Allow extra time to reach station. Walk, don’t run, on platforms.
“All routes planned to operate, but delays & disruption may occur.”
Wexford Bus issued a warning for the commuters between Wexford and Dublin.
They said: “Wexford Bus plans to operate all scheduled services over the coming days. However, delays are to be expected and intending passengers are advised to allow additional travel time.
“Please check social media for travel updates before your journey. Stay safe & warm.”
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