Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Alamy Stock Photo

Snow falls in parts of country as Status Yellow warnings take effect

Met Éireann has forecast severe frost and temperatures falling to -4 degrees Celsius.

LAST UPDATE | 8 Dec 2022

SNOW HAS STARTED to fall in parts of the country this evening as temperatures drop below zero. 

Several Status Yellow warnings are in effect this evening as Met Éireann forecasts treacherous conditions around the country.

Localised warnings for snow and ice were imposed from 9pm in Dublin, Wicklow and Donegal and will be followed at 10pm by a country-wide warning for low temperatures and ice.

In Northern Ireland, a Yellow ice warning applies to Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Derry since 4pm today until 12pm on Saturday. 

Met Éireann has forecast severe frost and temperatures falling to lows of -2 to -5 degrees Celsius

A broader winter weather advisory for Ireland that came into effect earlier in the week is still in place until Monday. 

The latest forecast for tonight predicts “treacherous conditions” with a severe frost setting in quickly after darkness falls.

Wintry showers of sleet and snow are expected mainly across east Leinster with some lying snow possible, as well as sleet and snow showers over Donegal.

Temperatures will be “bitterly cold” with lowest temperatures of -5 to -2 degrees, a light northerly breeze, and some freezing fog.

Tomorrow, much of the country will be dry with low winter sunshine, according to Met Éireann.

“Very cold though with icy stretches, some lying snow, as well as freezing fog in parts,” the forecaster said.

“Wintry showers will affect some northern and western coastal counties, possibly thundery near the coast. Highest temperatures ranging from 0 to 4 degrees, in light northwest or variable breezes.”

Advice to the public

Charity Alone is urging older people to take extra care and keep themselves warm as temperatures drop and for people to check in on their neighbours.

CEO Seán Moynihan said that “following a drop in temperatures and a frost risk, we are advising older people to be prepared by ensuring they have adequate heat, medication and food at home. Many older people are often hesitant to reach out and ALONE want them to know that they should not be afraid to ask for support if needed.”

It is advising older people to be cautious of falls by limiting walking outdoors during icy conditions, wearing well fitted shoes, and ensuring that floors in their homes are clear from any trip hazards.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has cautioned farmers, fishers and others working in rural areas to take extra safety precautions.

“Farmers should ensure that their yards are safe, firstly by tidying up to remove material which can cause trips or falls. All dripping taps, pipes and drainpipes should be repaired to avoid slippery patches of ice in the yard,” the minister said.

“It is important to plan early and attempt to address potential challenges before they arise. Create an inventory of what supplies you might need to keep your yard and farm safe such as salt for gritting as well as adequate feed stocks.

“As a starting point, it is important that all animals have free access to water. Supplies of drinking water should be checked daily, and surface ice broken on troughs twice per day. It is important that taps should not be left running to prevent freezing.”

The Road Safety Authority is asking motorists to be extra cautious on untreated road surfaces. A polished or glossy appearance on a road could signal black ice.

The RSA is advising drivers to:

  • Keep a lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users as snow may reduce visibility
  • Keep windows clear of snow during journeys
  • Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering that can induce a skid
  • Use the highest gear possible to reduce the engine revs as this will help avoid wheel spin.

For pedestrians, the RSA has advised:

  • Do not underestimate the danger of frost and ice
  • Be aware that even if surfaces do not look particularly icy or slippery, black ice could be present
  • Be aware that slips and falls often occur in places people see as safe and secure, such as outside their homes
  • Wear appropriate footwear
  • Wear high visibility clothing, carry a torch, and make sure any bike used for cycling is fitted with lights in the front and rear.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
13 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Furey
    Favourite Paul Furey
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 5:08 PM

    Me car windows were already frosted over at 4.30pm , not having used the car all day.

    175
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
    Favourite Fiona Fitzgerald
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 10:32 PM

    Ah, it won’t be long now before Irish Water announce water shortages.

    117
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran
    Favourite Ciaran
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 11:33 PM

    @Fiona Fitzgerald: well if you paid for your water they wouldn’t ..

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colette Kearns
    Favourite Colette Kearns
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 12:41 AM

    @Ciaran: LOL

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lee Casey
    Favourite Lee Casey
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 8:53 PM

    God help us all.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Eales
    Favourite Simon Eales
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 6:00 PM

    Watch out where the huskies go and don’t eat the yellow snow.

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emer Caffrey
    Favourite Emer Caffrey
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 11:18 PM

    The amount of scooters on the roads will make for very dangerous situations

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anna Carr
    Favourite Anna Carr
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 11:17 PM

    The difference between being a kid and a grumpy oul bat lol. As a kid I was like YAY cos the school heating always broke and we could stay off lol, now I’m like grrrr…blummin snow, blummin kids makin a bob sled track out on the roads, it’s too feckin cold hahahaha.

    88
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan Higgins
    Favourite Brendan Higgins
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 11:46 PM

    bit of frost and snow in parts and the country is shuting down lol

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Tobin
    Favourite Gavin Tobin
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 10:03 PM

    Damn will have to preheat the EV on the morning….timer set :)

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Clarke
    Favourite Ger Clarke
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 10:31 PM

    @Gavin Tobin: global warming

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fi Wyse
    Favourite Fi Wyse
    Report
    Dec 8th 2022, 10:39 PM

    @Gavin Tobin: Amateur, I just need to turn on the laptop in bed ah wfh bliss

    74
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Edward Reid
    Favourite Edward Reid
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 7:29 AM

    @Gavin Tobin: make sure there’s enough juice left to get you to work! :-)

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Long
    Favourite Michael Long
    Report
    Dec 9th 2022, 12:36 AM

    Why, can they control the weather?

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds