Coldest ever December predicted as big freeze returns
The north and west have borne the brunt of the latest wintry conditions but snow is to spread across the country with up to 10cm expected in northern parts.
Road chiefs claimed salt supplies were being used to keep national roads open but admitted concerns among local authorities about regional and back routes.
Dublin City Council said water restrictions would remain in place but vowed to have a full supply over Christmas week.
Met Eireann forecaster Gerald Fleming said the latest cold spell could make December 2010 a record breaker.
“It’s certainly looking that this December, in terms of our records in Met Eireann, could well turn out to be the coldest December on record, it’s headingin that direction,” he said.
Temperatures plummeted to -4C last night with snow hitting counties across the North as well as Donegal, Mayo and Galway before spreading inland to Longford, Cavan, Roscommon and Offaly.
Mr Fleming said showers will affect all areas tonight and particularly the east coast tomorrow as the weather front moves out to the Irish Sea.
He could not say which areas will be the worst hit, but predicted the early days of next week would likely be dry but cold.
He said temperatures may begin to gradually rise on Wednesday or Thursday, but said the second big freeze of the winter could continue into Christmas week.
The National Roads Authority said there are 14,000 tonnes of salt to grit national roads until another shipment of 25,000 tonnes arrives at the middle or end of next week.
“We have to prudently manage what we have so we can get us there,” spokesman Sean O’Neill said.
He said attention would be given to national roads until fresh supplies arrive.
Bus Eireann said the vast majority of its services are operating, with delaysin parts, while Iarnród Eireann said its trains are all running but warned of delays as snow spreads across the country.
Drivers were urged not to make trips over the coming days unless necessary, and households and businesses were asked to clear snow from footpaths before it freezes.
