Mother Nature something of a diva in north of county
NORTH WICKLOW'S weather has been something of a diva in the past week or so, with snow, rain, frost and flooding to contend with in this overdue winter.
Higher ground in the Kilmacanogue area has been covered in a blanket of snow, while many in lower-lying areas have been twitching curtains and wondering whether the occasional flurry would ‘stick’.
The Sally Gap and other mountainous areas have been virtually impassable, while flood waters descended on areas of the N11, Greystones, Kilpedder and Bray.
There were a number of crashes along the Kilmacanogue/Round- wood Road due to slippery conditions, and some vehicles had to be rescued from the Wicklow Gap despite warnings to avoid the area.
Driving conditions deteriorated on Monday morning across the county and the N11 was down to one lane southbound at Glen of the Downs due to snow and ice. Localised spot flooding occurred here and there in Bray, Greystones and Kilmac, however experts said that if colder air mass had arrived 24 hours earlier, a real disaster could have unfolded.
If the heavy rain in those areas late last week had fallen as snow we would have seen whiteout conditions with over four feet of snow. While no more significant snow is expected over the coming days there may still be frost and ice so motorists are advised to be extremely careful.