The National Emergency Coordination Group has warned of hazardous road conditions overnight and on Sunday, with heavy snow expected in Galway.
Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange snow/ice warning for Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath, Meathm Wicklow, Longford, Laois, Kilkenny, Kildare and Carlow. The warning is in place from 11pm tonight (Saturday) until 11pm Sunday.
According to Met Éireann: “Significant falls of snow are expected Saturday night and into Sunday. Accumulations of 4 to 8 cm could occur quite widely with greater totals possible. Drifting snow locally at times too with brisk winds.
“Slippery paths and treacherous roads also due to snow accumulation and ice.”
The National Emergency Coordination Group was convened yesterday and issued the following warning:
- Be aware of your local weather conditions
- Check national, local and social media for updates
- Listen to TV or radio bulletins and check the weather forecast before you undertake a journey
- Driving conditions will be hazardous over the weekend and into Monday
- Allow extra time for all road journeys and drive carefully, having regard to specific road conditions
- Avoid higher altitude areas where possible
- Wrap up warm when venturing outdoors
- Be aware of the danger of slips and falls in icy conditions
“In addition to their normal road salting arrangements in frosty conditions, local authorities will activate their severe weather assessment teams to review conditions and will be working over the weekend in collaboration with other services to deal with issues which arise.
“The Department of Housing has also been working with local authorities to ensure that their Cold Weather Initiatives for rough sleepers are in place.
“These arrangements ensure that additional temporary beds are brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities for singles and couples, who need them during periods of cold weather,” the NECG said.
Sunday will be cold with rain in southern areas, and falls of sleet and snow in the midlands and northern parts for a time, however clearing southwards with drier conditions spreading down from the north. There will be severe frost after dark with snow lying in places.
Monday will be a cold and mostly dry day with sunny spells, but scattered wintry showers also in western and northern coastal areas. There will be widespread frost early and late.
Homeless charity COPE Galway has 21 extra beds available at its centre on Seamus Quirke Road, and has asked people to direct rough sleepers there. Hot meals are also available. Phone 091 525259 (daytime) or 085 8009641 or freephone 1800 788887.
The post Warning issued ahead of expected heavy snowfall appeared first on Connacht Tribune.