Thousands Left Without Power as Met Éireann Forecasts Prolonged Cold Spell
As of Sunday evening, almost 60,000 homes, farms, and businesses across counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Carlow, Laois, and Wicklow are without power, according to ESB Networks. Additionally, about 15,000 customers are facing water shortages. ESB Networks has warned that it may take several days for electricity supplies to return to normal due to hazardous weather conditions and accessibility challenges.
Weather Warnings and School Closures
Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange snow and ice warning for Leinster, Munster, Cavan, and Monaghan until midnight on Sunday, with a Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning for the entire country in place until midday on Thursday. The Department of Education expects most schools to open as usual on Monday, but closures are expected in areas heavily impacted by snow and ice like Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, and Limerick due to safety concerns.
Transport Disruptions and Expert Insights
Heavy overnight snow has caused significant transport disruptions in the UK, with airports like Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon, Leeds Bradford, and Birmingham experiencing closures and delays. Meteorologist Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather reports unprecedented snow levels in some areas, creating hazardous road conditions and affecting travel across the region.
HSE Services and Health Updates
While most HSE services will continue as usual, disruptions are expected in Cork, Kerry, south Tipperary, Laois, and parts of the mid-west due to challenging weather conditions. Health authorities are prioritizing critical services like ambulance, emergency department, dialysis, oncology treatment, and prenatal care. The National Ambulance Service advises against unnecessary travel and urges the public to call 999 only in emergencies.
Now, let’s humanize this story with a relatable touch:
As the snow blankets the village of Killeshin in County Laois, families like the Brett’s in Kilkenny City are facing challenges clearing snow from their driveways. Damien Brett and his daughter Fiadh, aged 7, spend their mornings shoveling snow to ensure safe passage in their neighborhood. The heavy snowfall not only disrupts daily routines but also highlights the resilience and determination of communities across Ireland to navigate through the cold spell with unity and strength. Stay safe, stay warm, and check in tomorrow for the latest updates on the ongoing weather conditions as our cold snap continues.