Snow, ice, and Arctic chaos set to sweep Ireland.
A powerful ocean wave hits a stone cliff and creates a huge splash of water in County Clare, Ireland.
Credit: Shutterstock, mark gusev
Ireland is bracing itself for an icy grip as the Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange snow and ice warning for six counties from tomorrow afternoon. The weather will bring heavy snow, freezing fog, sleet, and treacherous black ice – enough to send anyone into a full-blown winter panic.
Counties at risk: Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary
Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary are all under alert from 5 PM on January 1 until 5 PM on January 5. Expect snow to blanket these areas, causing disruptions across road, rail, and air travel as temperatures plummet.
White Nollaig na mBan on the cards!
The cold snap is expected to be especially severe from January 6 to January 8, when temperatures could sink to minus 10°C – sweet potato cakes…
Blizzard conditions in parts of Ireland, black ice and mass disruption
It’s not just a bit of snow- this is the real deal. Met Éireann’s Joanna Donnelly warned that heavy snow accumulation is likely, especially in the midlands and on higher ground. In areas where snow doesn’t fall, sleet and rain will freeze, causing icy conditions that will make driving an absolute nightmare. Expect widespread disruption.
If you thought your commute couldn’t get any worse after the Christmas break- think again. The Arctic blast will cause chaos just as thousands of workers and school-goers return to their routines. Temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing and gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging drivers to use extreme caution.
School closures are possible across Ireland.
While schools are set to reopen on January 6 for nearly 960,000 students, there’s a real possibility of delays or closures, depending on local weather conditions. Snow and icy roads could force individual schools to make last-minute decisions. Be prepared for a potentially chaotic Monday morning.
The snow isn’t just a one-day wonder either – snow and sleet will spread across Ireland starting on the night of January 4 and continuing into January 5. Experts predict that the snow will be more intense in the southern half of the country, but everywhere will see at least a dusting, with the likelihood of dangerous sleet and freezing rain making an unwelcome appearance.
Livestock owners are also being urged to prepare for the worst, as snow and ice could hit hard over the weekend. The farming community is on high alert to ensure their animals are kept safe, with fodder and water being the top priority.
Emergency services in Ireland are getting ready for an Arctic onslaught.
As the weather worsens, Irish councils have restocked their road salt and grit supplies, ensuring Priority One and Priority Two roads are kept clear. But with freezing fog and snowfall likely to bring major disruptions to transport, it could be a bumpy ride ahead.
Emergency services are also on their toes, with Age Action urging people to check on the vulnerable – especially the elderly, sick, and homeless- to make sure they’re staying warm and safe.
While some may brave the elements (like a surfer recently spotted at Marble Hill Strand, Co. Donegal), the rest of Ireland will be holed up inside, waiting for this Arctic assault to pass.
This isn’t just your average winter chill – Ireland’s in for a big freeze. Whether you’re heading out for a walk or just trying to keep your car on the road, you’ll want to make sure you’re wrapped up warm and prepared for what’s coming.
Stay tuned for more updates as this chilling weather rolls in.
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