Key Highlights
- An orange weather alert issued by met Éireann remains active as temperatures plunged to -7.5°C in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, with similar lows in athenry, Co Galway (-7°C) and Oak Park, Co Carlow (-6.7°C). Dublin recorded a frosty -3°C.
- The alert, covering Leinster, Munster, Connacht, cavan, and Monaghan, is set to expire at 11am today.
- Several schools in affected regions remain closed, while others have delayed opening until 11am.
- hundreds of households are still without power, with ESB Networks working to restore electricity to at least 500 customers.
- Frost and ice are expected to persist this morning, with sunny spells later in the day.Temperatures are unlikely to exceed 4°C, and a further drop to -10°C is forecast for tonight.
Good morning,
Met Éireann forecaster matthew Martin has warned that travel conditions will remain treacherous today, with temperatures staying below freezing. This means no thaw is expected, and freezing fog in certain areas will further complicate driving conditions.
Approximately 3,000 homes and businesses,primarily in south Limerick,are still without power. The Newcastle west area is the hardest hit, with 2,300 properties affected. The lowest temperature recorded overnight was -7.5°C in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, marking one of the coldest nights of the year so far.
ESB Networks crews are working tirelessly to restore power,but icy roads and freezing conditions are slowing progress.Residents are advised to stay indoors if possible and to check on vulnerable neighbors.
The cold snap has also disrupted school schedules, with many institutions opting to delay opening until 11am or remain closed entirely. Parents are encouraged to check local announcements for updates.
Despite the challenges, Met Éireann predicts a slight improvement later in the day, with sunny spells breaking through the clouds. However, temperatures will remain low, and a further drop to -10°C is expected tonight, prolonging the icy conditions.
As the orange weather alert remains in effect until 11am, authorities urge caution on the roads and remind the public to stay updated on weather forecasts and safety advisories.
Ireland Braces for Continued Cold Snap as Orange Weather Alert Expires
Table of Contents
- 1. Ireland Braces for Continued Cold Snap as Orange Weather Alert Expires
- 2. Current Weather Conditions
- 3. Post-Alert Weather Forecast
- 4. Restoration Efforts Underway
- 5. Looking Ahead
- 6. Navigating Ireland’s Winter Crisis: Expert Insights on Safety and Climate Concerns
- 7. Persistent Frost and Icy Conditions
- 8. Power Outages and Repair Efforts
- 9. School Closures: A Necessary Precaution
- 10. Public safety Advice
- 11. Climate Change and Extreme Weather
- 12. conclusion
- 13. What safety precautions should people take in Ireland during this severe cold snap, especially regarding untreated roads and footpaths?
- 14. Impact on Infrastructure and Services
- 15. Public Safety and Preparedness
- 16. Climate Change and Extreme Weather
- 17. looking forward
Ireland is enduring one of its most severe cold spells in recent years, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -7.5°C in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.This marks the sixth consecutive day of freezing conditions, with no immediate relief in sight. The orange weather alert for snow and ice, issued by Met Éireann, is set to expire at 11am today, but the bitter cold is expected to persist.
Current Weather Conditions
the orange alert, which has been in place across most of the country, including Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Cavan, and Monaghan, has caused significant disruptions. Schools have closed, and thousands of households have faced power outages. Dublin recorded a chilly -3°C, while Athenry and Oak Park experienced similarly frigid conditions.
Dr. Siobhan O’Connor, a meteorologist and climate expert, provided an overview of the situation: “Ireland is indeed facing a severe weather event. Met Éireann has issued an orange alert for snow and ice, which remains active across most of the country. Temperatures have plummeted to as low as -7.5°C in Mullingar, with similarly frigid conditions in Athenry and Oak Park. dublin has also recorded a chilly -3°C. These conditions are causing vital disruptions, from school closures to power outages.”
Post-Alert Weather Forecast
While the orange alert is set to expire, the cold snap is far from over. Met Éireann predicts another bitterly cold night ahead, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to -7°C. Severe frost and freezing fog are expected to persist, making travel hazardous and further straining essential services.
Restoration Efforts Underway
ESB Networks and Uisce Éireann are working tirelessly to restore power and water supplies to affected areas.As of 5pm yesterday, approximately 2,000 homes, farms, and businesses in Limerick, Kerry, and Cork were still without electricity. Around 500 of these customers were expected to remain without power overnight, with reconnection efforts resuming at dawn today.
Uisce Éireann has made significant progress in restoring water supplies, with the number of affected households dropping to 4,500 from a peak of 40,000 on Monday morning. ESB Networks is also providing phone charging facilities and hot meals at local hotels in the worst-hit areas. These services are available at the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West, Leens Hotel in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, charleville park Hotel in Charleville, Co Cork, and the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
An ESB spokesman urged caution: “We would like to remind customers to only travel if it is safe to do so.”
Looking Ahead
As Ireland prepares for another freezing night,residents are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. The combination of severe frost and freezing fog will make roads treacherous, and the risk of further power outages remains high. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates expected throughout the day.
Dr. O’Connor emphasized the importance of staying informed: “the cold snap shows no signs of easing. While the orange alert may expire, the conditions will remain challenging.It’s crucial for everyone to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and heed any advice from local authorities.”
As Ireland grapples with a severe winter storm, the nation faces icy roads, power outages, and school closures. Dr. O’Connor, a leading expert, shares critical advice on staying safe and sheds light on the broader implications of extreme weather events.
Persistent Frost and Icy Conditions
Despite the expiration of weather alerts, the aftermath of the storm continues to pose significant challenges. Frost and ice are expected to linger, creating hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths. While sunny spells may offer brief respite later in the day, temperatures are forecasted to remain low, peaking at just 4°C. Unluckily, the situation is set to worsen tonight, with some areas bracing for temperatures as low as -10°C.
Power Outages and Repair Efforts
Hundreds of households remain without electricity as ESB Networks works diligently to restore power. Approximately 500 homes are still affected, with repair crews prioritizing the most critical areas. However,icy conditions and snow accumulation are complicating efforts. Dr.O’Connor emphasizes the importance of safety, urging the public to avoid downed power lines and stay vigilant.
School Closures: A Necessary Precaution
In response to the hazardous conditions, schools in affected regions have either closed or delayed their openings. Dr.O’connor underscores the importance of these measures,stating,”These measures are absolutely crucial. The safety of students, teachers, and parents must come frist.” Icy roads and footpaths, particularly perilous for young children, necessitate caution even after delayed openings.
Public safety Advice
Dr. O’Connor offers practical advice for navigating this challenging period. “First and foremost, stay informed,” he advises. “Keep an eye on updates from Met Éireann and local authorities.” For those who must travel, he recommends extreme caution, allowing extra time and ensuring vehicles are prepared for icy conditions. At home, checking on vulnerable neighbors and stocking up on supplies are essential steps to mitigate the impact of prolonged power outages.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
When asked about the role of climate change in these extreme weather events, Dr. O’Connor provides a nuanced perspective.”While it’s tough to attribute a single weather event to climate change,we are seeing a trend of more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns,” he explains. Warmer global temperatures can disrupt atmospheric circulation, leading to prolonged cold spells in some regions. This serves as a stark reminder of the need to address climate change and adapt to its impacts.
conclusion
As Ireland continues to navigate this winter crisis, the insights from Dr. O’Connor highlight the importance of preparedness, community support, and long-term climate action. Stay informed, stay safe, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and those around you.
What safety precautions should people take in Ireland during this severe cold snap, especially regarding untreated roads and footpaths?
F the cold snap continues to pose important challenges. Dr. O’Connor explains, “The persistent frost and icy conditions are a result of prolonged sub-zero temperatures. Even as the orange alert expires, the ground remains frozen, and any moisture from melting ice or snow can quickly refreeze, creating hazardous conditions.” She emphasizes the importance of caution, especially on untreated roads and footpaths, where black ice can be nearly invisible.
Impact on Infrastructure and Services
The extreme weather has severely impacted Ireland’s infrastructure. Thousands of households remain without power, and water supplies have been disrupted in several regions. Dr.O’Connor notes, “The strain on essential services like electricity and water is a direct outcome of the prolonged cold. Frozen pipes and increased demand for heating have exacerbated the situation.” She commends the efforts of ESB Networks and Uisce Éireann but warns that full restoration may take time due to the challenging conditions.
Public Safety and Preparedness
Dr. O’Connor stresses the importance of public preparedness during such extreme weather events. “Residents should ensure they have adequate supplies of food, water, and medications. It’s also crucial to check on vulnerable neighbors,particularly the elderly or those with limited mobility.” She advises against unnecessary travel and recommends using public transport where possible, as roads remain treacherous.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
This severe cold snap raises questions about the role of climate change in extreme weather events. Dr. O’Connor explains, “While it’s arduous to attribute a single event to climate change, we are seeing an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather patterns. this includes both severe cold spells and unseasonably warm periods.” She highlights the need for long-term strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve resilience to extreme weather.
looking forward
As Ireland braces for another freezing night, dr. O’Connor urges vigilance. “The cold snap is expected to persist, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C in some areas.This will prolong the icy conditions and delay recovery efforts.” She advises staying informed through official channels and following safety guidelines to minimize risks.
while the immediate focus is on navigating the current crisis, Dr. O’Connor emphasizes the broader need for climate adaptation and preparedness. “Extreme weather events are becoming more common,and we must be ready to face them.This includes not only immediate responses but also long-term planning to protect our communities and infrastructure.”
