Roads are expected to close on Saturday 4 January once the snowstorm expected to blanket much of Ireland begins.
Up to 25cm of snow may fall in some parts of Ireland as a sizable drift of snow follows heavy rain on Saturday evening 4 January.
Transport services are already urging travellers to be cautious when making their way to stations and ports across Ireland, advising that anyone hoping to travel should check with their provider for cancellations.
Shannon Airport warned fliers to allow extra time for their journey to the airport and to be vigilant in checking the status of their flights.
In a message to passengers issued on Saturday morning 4 January 2025: “Weather Alert: Significant snow and ice expected across Munster this evening from 5pm Saturday 4th January & tomorrow Sunday 5th. Passengers should check with their airline for up-to-date flight information. Allow extra time for your journey to the Airport.”
Bus EIreann/TFI Townlink has similar advice as they expect the worst in parts of the country: “Due to the ice, snow & rain weather warnings, we advise checking with your transport operator before travelling as there may be delays or curtailments.”
Meanwhile, Met Eireann upgraded their weather warnings for eleven counties from a Yellow to an Orange advisory.
Heavy rains and then snow are expected across Ireland with a Yellow Weather Warning in place for all counties in the Republic and an Orange warning in place for counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary.
Met Eireann had warned of the coming snowstorm with an Yellow Warning previously in place before the warning was upgraded.
Met Eireann urged caution as temperatures are expected to dip as low as -10C in some areas: “Status Orange – Rain and Snow warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary – Met Éireann Weather Warning. Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations expected.”
Impacts:
• Very difficult travelling conditions
• Poor visibility
• Travel disruption delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus)
• Difficult conditions underfoot
• Animal welfare issues
“Valid: 17:00 Saturday 04/01/2025 to 17:00 Sunday 05/01/2025”
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