Big freeze grips country as snow threatens shopping misery
Forecasters warn blizzards could be accompanied by lightning
A BIG freeze is forecast to bring sub-zero temperatures, flooding and up to 20cm of snow across Ireland today as an Arctic blast sweeps across the country.
With treacherous driving conditions in what is already being described as one of the coldest Decembers in recent years, there are fears shoppers will stay at home on what is traditionally one of the busiest days in the run-up to Christmas.
Met Eireann has issued a status orange snow and ice warning for counties in the west, midlands and east.
Today’s weather warning covers all of Connacht and counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Galway, Mayo, Ro- scommon and Tipperary.
Meanwhile, a status yellow wind warning was in place for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford until noon today. In Dublin, and along the east coast, temperatures today will remain in the “low single figures”.
And the deep freeze shows no sign of releasing its icy grip. Tonight, temperatures will fall to as low as minus 8C.
Sleet and snow will continue for a time, but will gradually die away in the early hours of the morning. Showers will hit the west, north and east coasts tomorrow, with the mercury plummeting to a low of minus 4C during the night.
The Road Safety Authority has encouraged motorists and all road users to be extra cautious and “treat every surface as if it’s frozen”.
Tuesday will have a dry and sunny start but cloud will thicken from the west, bringing rain at night.
Daytime temperatures will be between 4 and 8C, the higher temperatures being in the south-west of the country.
IRELAND could be hit by a freak ‘thundersnow storm’ today as blizzard-like conditions bring freezing rain and flooding, making for icy roads across the country.
Up to 20cm of snow, high winds and temperatures of -8C will bring freezing conditions over the next 24 hours.
Drivers have been warned to “think twice” before they get behind the wheel.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent last night, Transport Minister Shane Ross said all relevant bodies were “on the alert”.
He also confirmed that the National Emergency Coordination Committee was keeping “a close eye on the situation”. The group has met to discuss the severe weather conditions.
An Garda Siochana has warned people living in areas affected by the orange level weather warning to exercise “extreme caution” when travelling and to avoid making unnecessary journeys.
Counties in the West, Midlands and East are expected to experience significant falls of snow today.
The Arctic blast could even result in ‘thundersnow’ in some parts — a blizzard combined with thunder and lightning.
The rare phenomenon occurs when thunderstorms — much more common in summer months — form in wintry conditions.
A status yellow wind warning is in place for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford until noon today, with average wind speeds of 55-65kmh and gusts of 90-110kmh forecast.
Met Eireann meteorologist Liz Walsh said heavy bursts of rain could lead to serious flooding in all parts of Munster and south Leinster. “South Wexford, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Carlow need to be on alert for flooding, and there’s a risk of snow as well,” she said.
“Parts of east Connacht and north Leinster will wake up to a blanket of snow on Sunday morning, and possibly some fairly hefty accumulations, especially at higher levels.
“We could see between 10 and 20cm of snow in some parts of Connacht and north Leinster, especially on higher ground.”
She said the variable weather system could even lead to thundersnow.
“The jury is out; I wouldn’t rule it out. There’s conflicting evidence as to whether it will happen,” she added.
Thundersnow often produces snowfall rates in the range of two to four inches per hour.
Snowfall of this intensity may limit visibility severely, even during light wind conditions.
When thundersnow occurs during night-time, the lightning appears brighter because it is reflected against snowflakes.
In Dublin, and along the east coast, temperatures today will remain in the “low single figures”.
Dublin, in particular, will be hit by “sleety showers” this afternoon.
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said arrangements were in place for rough sleepers.
He tweeted that there would be safe shelter and food available “for everyone who needs it”.
Meanwhile, the Met Office in the UK has also issued a yellow alert for snow and ice in Northern Ireland, with 2-5cm of snow forecast in many areas.