Schools and public transport will continue to operate as normal while icy conditions persist across the country throughout the coming week, according to the government.
The National Emergency Coordination Group convened a meeting today with the Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to assess the impact of the current cold snap.
Met Éireann and all governmental departments were in attendance to decide what action may need to be taken in relation to the current severe weather.
The National Emergency Coordination Group has just convened with Minister @DarraghOBrienTD
— Office of Emergency Planning (@emergencyIE) December 11, 2022
See @MetEireann for latest weather warnings. For info and advice on winter preparedness, see https://t.co/BDmj1ZG2Nf #BeWinterReady pic.twitter.com/ixuMeAhRi2
Following today's meeting, the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage released a statement saying that the public transportation system is still functioning normally and advising the public to keep an eye on the websites and social media accounts of transportation companies for updates.
Additionally, it was confirmed that schools would operate normally this week.
While local councils have activated their winter maintenance plans, extensive gritting and ploughing are to continue as needed.
Minister O'Brien said in a statement following today's meeting: "We will continue to monitor the current weather conditions and make sure that all state agencies are responding quickly and effectively to address any issues. Everyone should keep an eye on local and national media, as well as social media, in the following days to stay informed about the changing weather situation.
The most important thing is to be warm, safe, and in touch with any elderly or fragile neighbours.
Forecast
From now at 5 p.m. until tomorrow at noon, the entire country is under a Status Orange low temperature and ice warning.
The weatherman is predicting that tonight will bring about a heavy frost, more icy patches, and patches of freezing fog, with temperatures likely to drop below -5 degrees in many places.
Additionally, a Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning has been extended through Friday, December 16 at noon.
Status Yellow Warning has been extended until Friday 16th December. See @MetEireann for latest warnings and forecasts. See https://t.co/BDmj1ZGACN for:
— Office of Emergency Planning (@emergencyIE) December 11, 2022
❄️Preparing for severe weather
🚘Travel and road safety
👥Community resilience
🏠Keeping your home/business safe https://t.co/LnYkMh7Xos pic.twitter.com/DhkyZiJzqF
According to Met Éireann, potential effects could include hazardous conditions on walkways and roads, traffic disruption, the possibility of burst water pipes and engine damage, as well as increased dangers for vulnerable community members.
Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow were under a Status Yellow snow warning until midday today, and Donegal and Mayo will receive a same warning tonight.
From 11.30 p.m. today until 12 p.m. tomorrow, Donegal and Mayo will be under a Status Yellow ice and snow warning. Significant amounts of snow are predicted over high ground, and snow showers will cause accumulations in some spots.
In the meantime, a Status Yellow ice warning is across effect in the Northern counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, and Derry.
The nation's winter weather advisory has been extended elsewhere until Wednesday at noon.
Due to an Arctic airmass, Met Éireann forecasts that it will continue to be extremely cold into the middle of next week. This will result in acute to severe frosts and ice or black ice on roads and sidewalks.
Additionally, there may be a few hail, sleet, and snow showers, mostly in coastal counties, and there may occasionally be freezing fog.
The first wave of departures has successfully taken off without any delays, according to a statement from Dublin Airport this morning.
In addition, airlines stated that they "intend to operate a normal schedule today with a minimum of cancellations."
Yesterday, more than 50 flights were cancelled, and on Friday, more than 140 flights were cancelled.
The Dublin Airport is cautioning travellers to "continue to check the status of their trip with their airline prior to travel."
With the extremely cold weather due to continue into the middle of next week, intending passengers should continue to check the status of their flight with their airline in advance of travel. pic.twitter.com/KVsPU5Fy9x
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 11, 2022
Aer Lingus has issued a warning, stating that "challenges with our London Heathrow operation owing to freezing fod conditions there" are being faced.
People travelling to Heathrow are advised to expect delays as a result of the cancellation of several London Heathrow services.
Before heading to the airport, all Aer Lingus customers have been urged to verify the status of their flight.
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) December 11, 2022
