SNOW TIME!
North Wicklow residents stockpile food as they brace themselves for onslaught of blizzard-like weather
EXTREME weather is hitting north Wicklow this week, with many schools and businesses expected to close their doors.
Blizzard-like conditions are expected and yesterday Met Eireann said a red weather warning will be issued as conditions continue to deteriorate.
People in north Wicklow prepared for the worst on Tuesday by stripping supermarket shelves of bread, milk and vegetables within hours of stores opening.
WICKLOW County Council has braced itself for the severe weather conditions.
Early on Monday morning, Wicklow County Council’s Severe Weather Co-ordination Group met in preparation for the forthcoming severe weather event predicted to arrive in the coming days.
The group comprises representatives from An Garda Siochána, HSE, Fire Service, Civil Defence and council staff and is chaired by the chief executive, Frank Curran.
The council is keeping a close eye on the weather warnings from Met Éireann as they make plans to keep the county up and running if Storm Emma hits as hard as expected.
With heavy snowfall expected especially in areas of higher ground the council is urging people to exercise extreme caution over the coming days and into the weekend.
A spokesperson for the council said that the outdoor crews, fire services and civil defence are on standby and will be deployed when needed.
The council’s road gritting programme is currently in full operation and will continue to be closely monitored. Details of the routes being treated can be accessed on www.wicklow.ie.
Last Friday, the council had 1,500 tonnes of salt in stock. Some 150 tonnes were used over three nights at the weekend with 45 tonnes were replaced on Monday with a further 135 tonnes collected yesterday (Tuesday).
Currently the council has enough sand for ten days.
Wicklow County Council is continuing to operate its ‘Cold Weather Initiative’ to provide night shelter for homeless individuals.
There is a referral protocol in place which enables clients to access the service through referral by the Five Loaves Homeless Services in Bray or through Wicklow County Council.
The council has capacity for 12 people in the cold weather initiative and as of yesterday up to nine individuals have availed of this accommodation. However, there can be differing numbers depending on the night.
The council’s severe weather co-ordination group will continue to meet in order to assess the developing weather situation. A council spokesperson urged people monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area, to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings.
Further information from Wicklow County Council will be available from the website and social media.
Urgent calls can be directed to Wicklow County Council on 0404 20100 or after 5pm on 01 2916117. Visit wicklow.ie for the Be Winter Ready booklet.