THE COUNTRY will see very cold and wintry weather this weekend, with snow accumulating in some areas, Met Éireann has warned.
The service advised that from late today and through the weekend, snow showers will hit north Connacht, Donegal and eastern counties of Leinster, with accumulations of 3cm to 5cm at times in areas below 250m.
This snow accumulation should be mainly at night, with occasional thawing likely by day.
Countrywide there will be heavy ground frost at night. Highest temperatures over the weekend are expected to be from 1-4 degrees tomorrow and 0-2 degrees on Sunday. Nights will see temperatures drop to between -3 degrees to -5 degrees.
According to Met Éireann forecaster Joan Blackburn, the cold snap was “a little unusual but not extraordinary”, noting that this time last year was the aftermath of widespread flooding.
She said long-range forecasts indicated the cold period would last for at least a week and could extend into a second week. The northern and eastern areas of the country would be most affected by northerly cold winds.
The icy conditions on roads have prompted warnings from AA Roadwatch for drivers to take care. The organisation has urged caution, particularly in the mornings, when frost, ice and freezing fog are expected. Those driving are advised to allocate extra time for trips.
The Road Safety Authority has advised motorists to check tyres, carry a screen scraper and de-icer, ensure the windscreen washer system contains anti-icing fluid, and to use dipped headlights.
Motorists are also advised to watch out for black ice and grit spreaders.
Last January there was widespread disruption as councils struggled to grit roads and pavements due to a shortage of salt during the worst cold spell in decades.
However, according to Seán O’Neill of the National Roads Authority (NRA), the country now has “more than ample” supplies of rock salt. He said 80,000 tonnes of salt were bought in bulk by the NRA, comprising 55,000 tonnes at storage locations countrywide and the rest outside the State. There were also 25,000 tonnes of earlier surplus supplies.
Mr O’Neill said the authority conducted regular reviews with local authorities on maintaining supplies, and the State’s average yearly usage of salt was 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes. The fact the salt was bought in bulk and at off-peak times meant a “much better price” was obtained.
The Department of Transport said local authorities were responding to the cold snap in line with normal procedures and that road salt was already being used. The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government is also monitoring the situation.
Elsewhere, Age Action has urged people to stay in contact with their older neighbours and for people to take steps to protect themselves and ensure they remain warm in their homes.
“We are reminding people to call in on their older neighbours to ensure they have enough fuel and basics such as milk and bread,” said spokesman Eamon Timmins.
“Older people can also play their part by keeping in telephone contact with each other and with their family and neighbours.”
