WARNING: Emergency organisations urge public to prepare for snow and ice

Emergency groups are advising the public to prepare for potentially severe weather conditions in the coming days. 

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) have issued the warning alongside the Crisis Management Team (CMT), Met Éireann, local authorities, the Principal Response Agencies, key government departments, and responding national organisations. 

Following a virtual meeting today (Wednesday March 8), the groups expect a short period of cold conditions with a high probability of snow over a widespread area.  

Earlier, Met Éireann released a Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning for the whole country from 3am tomorrow (Thursday March 9) to 11pm on Thursday evening. 

Rain, sleet and snow will spread northwards across the country later tonight and during Thursday, accompanied by strengthening easterly winds. 

Accumulations of snow are expected in many areas, particularly over high ground, along with icy conditions. Sleet and snow will likely transition to rain in southern areas for a time. 

There is an expectation of widespread icy stretches tomorrow night into Friday morning (March 10) with some further accumulations of snow likely. 

Met Éireann's Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning covers Carlow, Cavan, Dublin Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow from 11pm tomorrow night to 7am on Friday morning. 

The NDFEM and CMT continue to liaise with Met Éireann to monitor the evolving weather situation, with a further meeting of the group scheduled for 11am tomorrow. 

Motorists are advised to be wary of potential hazardous travelling conditions, particularly on untreated roads, and to allow extra time for all road journeys. 

Motorists should also 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.