The alert will be active from 5 PM tomorrow until 5 PM on Sunday, impacting the counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary. Authorities have warned of difficult travel conditions, delays to public transport services (air, rail, and bus), animal welfare concerns, and slippery surfaces.

Additionally, a Status Yellow rain and snow warning has been issued for Cork and Kerry from 1 PM tomorrow until 5 PM on Sunday. Heavy rainfall is expected to transition into sleet and snow, posing risks of hazardous travel, poor visibility, and localized flooding.

A broader Status Yellow snow and ice warning covers Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, and Connacht during the same period, highlighting the widespread impact of the upcoming weather event.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has announced a Yellow warning for ice in Antrim, Down, Tyrone, and Derry from 4 PM today until 10 AM tomorrow, cautioning against icy roads and potential travel disruptions.

Met Éireann’s Senior Forecaster, Gerry Murphy, explained that the current cold snap will persist into tonight, with temperatures potentially plummeting to -4°C. As milder air clashes with the cold front tomorrow, rain is expected to turn into sleet and snow across many regions.

He emphasized that further clarity on snow accumulations and potential school closures will emerge over the weekend as forecasters gather more precise data.

Travelers are urged to exercise caution, plan ahead, and stay updated on weather warnings as the country prepares for this severe weather event.

Crews have been working overnight to assess the damage and restore power where conditions are safe. ESB Networks has warned that more outages are likely due to potentially damaging gusts.

Severe Weather Warnings

The Status Orange wind warning has been active for Munster and Connacht since 8 p.m. last night and for Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan since 10 p.m. While the Red warnings for several counties, including Donegal, Sligo, and Galway, have expired, the storm’s impact remains significant. Met Éireann recorded gusts reaching 141 km/h at Mace Head in Galway and 120 km/h in Clare, causing widespread damage.

Impact on Power and Travel

A total of 395,000 customers are still without power. Local authorities have reported numerous incidents, including downed trees and blocked roads. In Sligo, trees and electrical wires have disrupted traffic on roads such as the Calry to Sligo route at Deerpark. Kerry has also seen significant damage, with a trampoline reported on a road between Kilflynn and Halfway House.

Travel disruptions extend to airports and public transport. Dublin Airport confirmed several flight cancellations and advised passengers to check with airlines for updates. Bus Éireann has canceled multiple services, and northbound trains from Connolly Station are delayed due to a fallen tree between Clontarf and Howth Junction.

Warnings for Motorists and Residents

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, with the PSNI highlighting the risk of fallen trees and debris in Northern Ireland. Drivers are advised to slow down, allow extra travel time, and remain vigilant on the roads.

Additional weather warnings are in effect. Northern Ireland faces an Amber wind warning until 9 p.m., while a Status Yellow rain warning is active in Connacht, Clare, and other counties until 10 a.m. A similar rain warning is in place in Northern Ireland until midday.

Met Éireann has cautioned residents about potential impacts, including fallen trees, damage to power lines, and wave overtopping along the coast. Temporary structures are also at risk as the storm progresses.

Stay updated with the latest weather advisories and exercise caution during this severe weather event.