Weather warnings extended

Met Eireann has extended multiple weather warnings as various counties come to grips with heavy rain, plummeting temperatures, snow, slush and ice this Sunday morning.

Full story here.

Top GAA clash to go ahead

The All-Ireland Junior Football semi-final will go ahead today despite heavy snow fall around the country, it has been confirmed.

Full story here.

Snow tracker

You can follow the progress of the snowfall and depth using the live tracker below.

Heavy snowfall in Limerick

Very heavy snow in East Limerick…hope everyone is safe and warm…#sneachta pic.twitter.com/v7d91ThlrE

— antoinette (@antoabs) January 4, 2025

Sunday forecast

According to Met Eireann's forecast, it will be cold and blustery tomorrow with outbreaks of sleet and snow, along with heavy rain in southern coastal areas. 'Significant accumulations of snow' will occur, mainly across the midlands and southwest leading to hazardous travelling conditions. There is a chance of localised flooding in the south. The northwest will turn drier through the day. Highest temperatures of just 0C to 4C in moderate to fresh northerly winds.

Sleet and snow will clear from the east of the country early on Sunday night to leave a very cold and icy night. It will become largely dry but a few wintry showers will follow into Atlantic coastal areas. Lowest temperatures ranging from -5C to 0C with moderate to fresh northwest breezes.

Public urged to take 'extra care' as country braces for severe weather

The public has been urged to take extra care this weekend following warnings of a "multi-hazard weather event" due to hit Ireland on Saturday.

It comes as the Government's national emergency co-ordination group (NECG) met on Saturday to prepare for the severe weather forecast across the country.

Taoiseach Simon Harris was also briefed by the emergency director about their plans.

Full story here.

Cold weather set continue well into next week

Met Eireann has warned that the ongoing cold snap will continue on until late next week as a cold Arctic northerly airflow become established from Sunday night. Lying snow will persist in some areas with frosty and icy conditions countrywide. An Advisory has been issued countrywide for Monday (January 6) through to Thursday (January 9).

Why Rain and Snow warning instead of a Snow/Ice?

For the southern counties of Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Wexford, rain and snow warnings have been issued instead of snow/ice warnings. The southern half of these counties will feel greater effect of the milder air keeping the precipitation in liquid form (rain), whereas to the north of these counties and at higher elevations, the rain will transition to sleet and snow.

Status Orange weather warnings come into effect

A series of Status Orange weather warnings have now come into effect, with heavy snow expected in places.

A Status Orange - Rain and Snow warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford came into place at 5pm this evening and will remain in place intil5pm on Sunday. Met Eireann has warned that heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations are expected over the next 24 hours.

A Status Orange - Snow-Ice warning is also now in effect for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary. That weather warning will also remain place until 5pm Sunday, with significant snowfall accumulations expected.

Nationwide low temperature/ice warning

Met Eireann has now issued a Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning for the whole country.

It will be very cold tomorrow with widespread frost and ice.

The warning will become valid at 5pm on Sunday and last until 12pm Monday.

Emergency team meeting

The government’s Emergency Planning Team is holding a meeting as Ireland braces for a "multi-hazard weather event", which is due to hit the country later on Saturday.

Snow, ice, heavy rain and sleet are to sweep over the island of Ireland as temperatures continue to plummet.

Full story here.

All-Ireland club SFC clash postponed

The All-Ireland club SFC semi-final clash of Dr Crokes and Errigal Ciarán has been postponed.

A pitch inspection took place this morning at O'Moore Park in Portlaoise for the Sunday afternoon fixture and it was decided to put the game back to next Saturday at the same venue

Full story here.

The snow has arrived in Gougane Barra

Shhhhh-it’s snowing pic.twitter.com/wpvUBeWizo

— Gougane Barra Hotel (@gouganebarra) January 4, 2025

Sporting casualty

Saturday's meeting at Cork has fallen to the cold weather, with the scheduled seven-race card abandoned due to a frozen track.

Full story here.

Rare temperature plunge

If you think it's cold this morning, prepare for temperatures to get significantly lower as Ireland's cold snap shows no sign of coming to an end any time soon.

Full story here

Updated warning for Wexford

Met Eireann has now placed Wexford under a Status Yellow rain and snow warning from 5pm on Saturday to 5pm on Sunday.

The potential impacts of these conditions include hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption and localised flooding.

Waterford added to orange warning

Met Eireann has confirmed this morning that Waterford now joins Cork and Kerry under the Status Orange rain and snow warning which will come into effect at 5pm on Saturday.

This will see heavy rain transition to sleet and snow with significant accumulations forecast.

Significant amount of rain, sleet and snow

Up to 50mm of precipitation is forecast in the south over the next 24 hours, this will bring with it a risk of flooding in certain areas.

Irish supermarket shelves left BARE as shoppers 'panic buy' ahead of snow chaos

Supermarkets across Ireland are reportedly running out of essentials like bread and milk tonight as freezing temperatures and snow grips the country. Shoppers have been sharing images of empty shelves reminiscent of the 2018 'Beast from the East.'

• Full story: Irish supermarket shelves left BARE as shoppers 'panic buy' ahead of snow chaos

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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