Experts are warning of a chance of sleet and snow in County Cork this weekend as a nationwide ice warning comes into effect this evening.
The alert started at 6pm today and will run until 11am Friday, with Met Éireann forecasting temps as low as -3C in parts of Cork as well as dangerous travel conditions. County Council teams have been treating high-priority roads since Wednesday to prep for the bad weather and are asking the public to exercise ‘extreme care’ if driving over the next few days.
A nationwide weather advisory has also been issued for this weekend (lasting from 00:00 Saturday – 00:00 Monday) as sleet and snow are expected in many parts of the country. Early forecasts show mostly sleet coming in over North Cork on Sunday, with some of the white stuff expected in the late afternoon around Millstreet – but don’t hold your breath on anything sticking.
Met Eireann’s Weather Advisory
(Image: Met Éireann)
Heavy showers are forecast for almost all of County Cork on Saturday, which will run straight through to Sunday afternoon in many areas. Expert Alan O’Reilly (who runs popular X account Carlow Weather) has said conditions this weekend are ‘uncertain’ so far.
He said: “Certainly a risk of heavy snow for some areas but many could end up with a mix of rain of snow for. Problem is whatever falls will then freeze! So expect slippy conditions from Sunday night for days.”
Meanwhile, we’re in for a mostly dry day across the county tomorrow with temps between 0-5C and grey skies from the mid-afternoon onwards.
Cork County Council have issued the following advice for the oncoming cold weather:
- Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey;
- Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice;
- People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication;
- Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112;
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources;
- ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie;
- The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
- Please contact the Cork County Council’s Out of Hours number 021 4800048 to report any out of hours issue.