How to stay safe during wintry weather

Met Eireann has issued the following advice:

• Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).

• Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.

• 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.

• Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.

• Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.

• The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.

• People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.

• 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.

• Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.

• People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice

• Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone

• People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.

How to get the latest weather updates as they happen

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The cause of snow

Met Eireann explained: "An area of low-pressure bringing precipitation will track north-eastwards across the country Saturday afternoon, through Saturday night, clearing into the Irish sea during Sunday afternoon. As the mild moist air meets the cold Arctic air, the rain will turn to sleet and snow in many areas."

5cm of snow likely

Met Eireann said: "Significant snowfall accumulations expected across parts of Munster and south Leinster as heavy rain transitions to sleet and snow on Saturday evening, continuing right through to Sunday. Accumulations of 5cm or more are likely in 24 hours. A status orange snow/ice warning has been issued for multiple counties. Very difficult travelling conditions are expected with poor visibility in any sleet or snow. This will also cause significant travel disruptions and difficult ground conditions.

"Generally lower snow accumulations, but still impactful in many places, are expected in other counties under a status yellow snow/ice warning through Saturday and Sunday, with accumulations of 1-5cm in 24 hours likely in some areas. Travel disruptions can also be expected in these areas. "

Weather warning timeline

• 1pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday - Status Yellow Rain and Snow warning for Cork and Kerry

It states: "Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow. Potential impacts include hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption, localised flooding."

• 5pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday - Status Yellow Snow and Ice warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo.

It states: "Falls of sleet and snow with snowfall accumulations expected. Potential impacts include hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption."

• 5pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday - Status Orange Snow and Ice warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.

It states: "Significant snowfall accumulations expected. Impacts include very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus), difficult conditions underfoot, animal welfare issues."

• 5pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday - Status Orange Rain and Snow warning for Cork and Kerry.

It states: "Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations expected. Impacts include very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus), difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues."

• 5pm Sunday to 11pm Thursday - Weather advisory for all of Ireland

It states: "Sunday night and much of the coming week will be very cold. Severe frost and icy patches in many areas. Lying slow in some areas will be slow to clear. Wintry showers at times. Potential impacts include hazardous travelling conditions and travel and service disruption."

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