Severe wintry weather on way

MET ÉIREANN has warned of severe wintry weather for much of the coming week, with significant falls of snow likely in addition to frost and ice.

Snowy conditions are expected in Leinster and parts of Ulster today, spreading to Munster and Connacht tomorrow. Lowest temperatures will range from 1º celsius to -4ºC generally.

The warm sea temperatures of 8º-9º are creating precipitation which is being turned into snow by the strong Arctic winds.

“It looks like it’s going to turn drier on Thursday, but the roads will still be dangerous, with frost and ice. We should see an end to the cold snap by Saturday,” said a Met Éireann spokeswoman.

Freezing fog is continuing to cause problems in many parts of the west and the National Safety Council has advised motorists to take extra precautions. All major roads are being gritted but there is a risk of black ice on minor routes.

The Irish Water Safety Association has urged the public to be extra vigilant when approaching frozen canals, rivers, lakes and streams.

The death rate for elderly people rises by 23% during the winter months and Age Action has advised older people to take precautions.

“It’s very important that people keep the heating on, even if they’re worried about the money. It’s also worth considering moving the bed to the main room rather than going into a cold bedroom at night,” said spokesman Paul Murray.

Fire services are asking people to check on their elderly neighbours and to help them install smoke alarms. Yesterday, an 80-year old woman was found dead in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry.

Mary O’Sullivan had been cleaning out hot ashes from her fire when her clothes caught fire. She ran from her house on the main street into the backyard, where her body was discovered by her brother at 10.45am yesterday.

“The small community here is shocked to the core by the news,” said local councilor Michael Healy-Rae.