'Scattered snow showers' expected as Met Éireann issues fresh snow and ice warning

17th January 2023 Sean O'Brien, Rosscarberry out walking on the snow covered sand at The Warren beach near Rosscarberry in West Cork yesterday. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

A snow and ice warning is to come into effect this afternoon, affecting Cork and Kerry among other counties.

It comes off the back of an earlier low-temperature warning for the entire country, which ended at 12pm.

The fresh warning, which effects Cork, Kerry, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Mayo and Roscommon, comes into effect at 5.30pm today.

It will last until 9am on Wednesday, with Met Eireann warning of "scattered snow showers with some possible accumulations" and icy stretches.

Further north, the same warning is in place for Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.

Temperatures dipped as low as -7C in parts of the midlands overnight, with the cold spell set to last another couple of days.

While schools in Donegal are closed on Tuesday due to snow, West Cork and parts of Kerry also saw heavy accumulations last night.

Several roads are closed in Cork due to the ice this morning, resulting in the closure of schools as buses cannot operate.

The R572 at Derreenacarrin is impassable due to snow, while school and college closures include:

• Scoil Mhuire, Ballingeary
• MICC Dunmanway
• Schull Community College
• Drinagh National School
• Scoil Bhríde, Ballydehob

Snow-covered roads in West Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

"Icy stretches leading to hazardous travelling conditions, especially on untreated roads and paths," warned Met Éireann.

"Wintry showers in the northwest and southwest. Accumulations possible, especially in mountainous areas, leading to disruption."

The Road Safety Authority has urged drivers to take care on the roads for the entire week, and to watch out especially for 'black ice'.

"Road users should expect icy roads and be extra cautious on untreated road surfaces. Hazardous travelling conditions are expected, especially on untreated roads and footpaths.

If the road looks polished or glossy, it could be 'black ice', one of winter's worst hazards. 

"It is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. The sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls are prone to black ice."

Nice blanket of snow at sunrise over #WestCork this morning. Taken near Sams Cross looking South East. You can just about make out Galley Head in the distance.#Cork #Ireland #snow @corkbeo @C103Cork @SouthernStarIRL @irishexaminer #Clonakilty #DJI #dronephotography pic.twitter.com/zJXE8UtGgK

— Intothewild Ireland (@intothewild45) January 17, 2023

The forecaster said today will be "chilly with a mix of sunny spells and wintry showers, falling as snow in places". 

"Some of the showers may also produce thunder and hail, especially in the afternoon and evening. The driest and brightest conditions will occur in Leinster."

Temperatures are set to peak today between 2C and 5C, before dropping tonight to lowest temperatures of -3C to 1C.

"Cold tonight with frost and icy stretches developing in many areas. 

"Scattered wintry showers will continue, most frequent in the north and west, with a further chance of thunder and hail." 

Tomorrow will see "a mix of sunny spells and scattered wintry showers, most frequent early in the day" as temperatures climb to 6C.

A winter weather advisory is in place nationally until midnight on Friday, warning of icy conditions "as an Arctic airflow becomes established". 

Met Éireann said this will bring "sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches on roads and footpaths". 

"Some showers of hail, sleet and snow are expected with the potential for freezing fog."