Urgent: Met Éireann Issues Snow-Ice Warning for Five Counties

UPDATE: Met Éireann has just issued a Status Yellow snow-ice warning for five counties, alerting residents to hazardous conditions expected from midnight on January 17 until midday on January 18. The counties affected are Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, and Sligo.

This urgent warning comes as wintry showers of hail, sleet, and snow are forecasted to cause significant travel disruptions. Authorities are advising caution due to potential icy patches on roads, especially in high-altitude areas.

Simultaneously, the UK Met Office has issued a similar Yellow Snow and Ice Warning for all of Northern Ireland, including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry. This alert is also effective from midnight on January 17 through midday on January 18, indicating that icy patches and lying snow may lead to increased travel delays.

Met Éireann reports that temperatures will remain low through midweek, with a particularly cold start on Wednesday, January 17. Expect highest temperatures between 3°C and 7°C, but wind chill will make it feel even colder. Wednesday night will bring clearer skies but will also contribute to frost formation, with temperatures dropping to between -3°C and +2°C across eastern and southern regions.

As conditions worsen, the public is urged to stay informed and exercise caution when traveling. The forecast indicates cold and frosty mornings with potential wintry showers continuing, particularly in the north and northwest.

In summary, if you are in the affected areas, prepare for challenging conditions and stay updated with the latest forecasts. The cold snap is expected to ease by Friday as milder Atlantic air begins to move in.

Stay safe and share this information to keep others informed about the developing weather situation.