THE WEATHER was continuing to pose problems across the country last night with fresh snowfalls creating dangerous conditions for motorists in the east and west. Parts of Cork city and county suffered flooding as a result of heavy rainfall and melting ice.
Snowfalls were reported in counties Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Sligo and Mayo yesterday, resulting in crashes and tailbacks on roads.
AA Roadwatch said driving conditions were treacherous in parts due to heavy snowfalls and advised motorists in Dublin to avoid unnecessary trips in Enniskerry, Stepaside and Leopardstown in particular.
Dublin Bus was forced to curtail a number of its services to north Wicklow, Dundrum and Sandyford because of the hazardous conditions.
Wicklow Mountain Rescue said it rescued a Sky news team which lost its way while following satnav directions on a remote mountain pass near Aughavannagh last evening.
In Co Cork, residents of Mallow and Fermoy were last night on flood alert after heavy rain and melting ice caused a significant rise in the level of the Blackwater river. Earlier, about 30mm of rain fell in Cork city causing flash flooding which resulted in some premises on the northside of the city being flooded to a depth of two feet.
Met Éireann said the renewed snowfall would most likely be a “temporary phase”.
Despite the flood threats, many parts of the country are facing water shortages. Local authorities have appealed to householders not to try to store water in their homes. People were urged not to fill baths, sinks and pots from their taps as they are creating a “vicious circle” of water shortage, according to council officials.
Many councils have had to reduce pressure in their water systems or cut supplies at night because of losses from leaks and burst pipes as a result of the weather, as well as people leaving taps running in an effort to prevent frozen pipes. All parts of Dublin city and county can expect water supply interruptions over the coming days. Dublin City Council has said there is insufficient water to meet normal daily demands.
Since the cold spell began, reservoirs in almost all counties have been under pressure. When the thaw set in, many pipes cracked and leaked water into the ground. Councils began introducing reduced supplies to preserve water levels, and householders experienced low water pressure and shortages, often at night.
Householders have responded to the reductions by filling containers to store extra water. This has, in turn, put increased pressure on supply.
Speaking after a meeting of the National Emergency Response Committee yesterday, Minister for the Environment John Gormley also warned of “extremely low” water supplies. He appealed to people to cut back on their usage.