The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met today to prepare for the incoming cold weather blast that has been named ‘Storm Emma’.
The severely cold Siberian weather system is set to being below freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall over several days, causing widespread travel disruption.
According to the latest forecasts, Donegal is expected to escape the worst of the ‘Beast from the East’, as a lower-grade Status Yellow warning is placed for all counties. Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Laois, Louth, Wicklow and Meath are under a Status Orange Alert with snow accumulations of 4-6cm forecast with widespread frost and icy conditions.
Strong winds are forecast for Thursday evening too, possibly reaching gale force to create blizzard-like conditions with snowfall. This is predicted to be a disruptive weather event impacting multiple sectors.
Minister Eoghan Murphy has today said the storm has the potential to become a Status Red warning on Thursday or Friday in the south and east of the country. The situation will be kept under review and updated daily as the co-ordination group monitors the storm.
While the snow is expected to disrupt school transport, no notice of school closures has yet been issued. The Department of Education & Skills is continuing to monitor the developing weather situation and said decisions regarding school closures schools will be made locally.
Bus Eireann have confirmed that school transport will operate unless a red weather warning is issued.
The public is advised to visit the website www.winterready.ie for advice on preparing for the oncoming weather and is advised also to check on vulnerable and isolated neighbours over the next couple of days.
Local plans have been activated and winter road maintenance programmes are ongoing with salting being conducted twice daily on prioritised routes.
Donegal County Council deployed gritters at 4pm today (Monday) and will be out again on Tuesday morning from 6am.
Defence Forces personnel are ready to assist local authorities upon request.
Irish Water has mobilised its Crisis Management arrangements to deal with operational impacts of the expected severe weather nationwide.
ESB Networks have said they are on full levels of preparedness for extreme weather. All planned ESB maintenance outages have been cancelled for this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Additional capacity has been put in place in cities to provide additional bed places for rough sleepers.
People are advised to monitor national and local media, including social media, over the coming days to keep up to date with information regarding the developing weather situation.
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