A Severe Weather Coordination meeting, was held today (Wednesday, 10 February 2021), to review the weather forecast for the coming days, including the potential impact of snow and provide all key stakeholders with this information directly to enable relevant preparations to take place.
The Department’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) Crisis Management Team continues to meet daily, working with Met Éireann, OPW, local authorities and other Government Departments and agencies to monitor the forecasts and their predicted impacts.
A yellow weather warning for snow / ice is in place for counties Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Cavan and Monaghan until tonight, with snow already reported in many areas. Forecasts at present indicate scattered, wintry showers of sleet or snow, mainly affecting the east and northeast today (Wednesday). Overnight tonight temperatures are forecast to drop as low as -4oC in some areas.
A yellow warning for snow / ice has been issued for Thursday for Munster, Connaught and Leinster. It is likely that precipitation will fall as snow, with accumulations leading to hazardous conditions in some areas. This has the potential for disruption to transport. Snow accumulations of up to 5cm are anticipated, but possibly higher in the south and in mountainous areas. There will also be strong southeasterly winds in the southwest, with potential for a yellow wind warning.
Current indications are for rain in southern counties on Friday, then widespread heavy rain, possibly falling as sleet or snow in Ulster and Leinster, later on Friday and during Friday night.
Local authorities, Department of Transport, An Garda Síochána and HSE all outlined their levels of preparedness for this severe weather.
NDFEM Crisis Management Team are continuing to monitor this evolving situation with Met Éireann, and the relevant stakeholders.
It should be emphasised that all unnecessary travel should continue to be avoided in line with current Public Health advice.