Snow falling in Midlands and Limerick, more expected on east coast tonight – The Irish Times

Road users are being warned to take extra care on Thursday as an amber snow and ice warning currently in place across Ireland could result in dangerous driving conditions.

Some areas in the Midlands and Limerick have already experienced snowfall, according to Met Éireann, who said up to 30mm of snow is possible by Friday.

The warning, which went into effect at 3am Thursday and will remain in place until 11pm, said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country throughout the day.

“Snow accumulations are expected in many areas along with icy conditions,” the warning said.

“Freezing rain and snow will likely turn to rain for a while in the southern areas.”

According to the Met Éireann, the “potential effects” of this are dangerous driving conditions, travel disruption and poor visibility.

An amber low temperature and ice warning will be in effect from 9pm Thursday to 10am Friday, with the possibility of widespread icy stretches that could create dangerous driving conditions.

A second yellow cold ice warning for Leinster, Cavan Monaghan, was issued from 11pm Thursday to 7am Friday.

The country’s extreme weather crisis team held a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the expected snowfall.

The meeting of the Housing Ministry group was attended by officials from local authorities, other departments, Met Éireann and first responder organisations. It will hold a second virtual meeting on Thursday at 11am.

Met Éireann spokesman Gerry Murphy has warned of snow and sleet showers across much of the country today.

Ireland is “in the grip” of a cold snap that will last until the end of the week, he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.

A band of rain that has begun moving northward across the country has begun to fall as sleet and snow as temperatures drop, he explained.

The North Midlands, Connacht and Ulster are set to experience the worst of the weather, which will spread to the rest of the country tonight with ‘disturbing’ snowfalls on the east coast. As the band traverses the country, conditions will improve in the Southwest, he added.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has advised all road users to prepare for “dangerous” road conditions and limited visibility.

The RSA said motorists should check local traffic conditions and weather before driving in inclement weather.