The Wicklow County Council Severe Weather Assessment Team has been monitoring the ongoing weather situation nationally and has in recent days attended two meetings with Met Éireann along with other local authorities, the Principal Response Agencies, key Departments and responding national organisations.
Weather Outlook
Rain/sleet/Snow will spread northwards across the country today accompanied by strengthening winds. Accumulations of snow are considered likely in many areas along with icy conditions. A Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning is in effect for the whole country valid from 03:00 Thursday 09/03/2023 to 12:00 on Friday 10/03/2023.
A Status Orange Snow Ice Warning for Leinster will come into effect from 00:00 Friday 10/03/2023 until 10:00 Friday 10/03/2023. Spells of sleet and snow are forecast overnight, combined with strong northerly winds. Significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas by morning along with icy conditions.
Co-ordination
- Wicklow County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team will continue to monitor developments, liaising with Met Éireann who are actively monitoring the evolution of weather conditions.
- Wicklow County Council are relaying public safety messages aligned with the latest weather warnings issued.
- Cold weather arrangements remain in place throughout the county to ensure that there is adequate capacity to prevent any need for rough sleeping during the current period.
Public Safety Information
Protective actions advised:
The public should heed public safety advice and are asked to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for updates on local conditions
General Public safety advice
- Weather conditions will be disruptive for travel tomorrow. Driving conditions may be particularly hazardous tomorrow morning during the busy morning commute times of 6 am to 10 am
- The public should note that local conditions will vary across the county and consider those conditions. Any travel arrangements should be planned carefully in advance of setting out
- All road users should be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions, particularly on untreated roads and allow extra time for all road journeys
- Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers posed by poor visibility during periods of falling sleet/snow
- Pedestrians should be aware for the potential of slips and falls in icy conditions particularly on untreated roads and footpaths
- Due to an elevated risk of coastal flooding today and tomorrow due to Spring tides that are expected to bring a tidal surge of 0.5, people are being urged to “stay back, high and dry” as piers and areas close to the sea can be very dangerous during the expected high winds.
Met Éireann Weather Warning
The latest Met Éireann forecasts and warnings are available at the following links:
https://www.met.ie/warnings/today
https://www.met.ie/forecasts/national-forecast