Status Orange weather alert issued for Clare as snow causes power outages and disrupts traffic

A Status Orange snow/ice warning is now in place for County Clare and several other counties across the country.

The warning, issued by Met Éireann, came into effect at 11am this Thursday and remains in place until midnight.

"Further spells of sleet and snow today combined with strong east to northeast winds. Significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas along with icy conditions," it states.

Motorists are being advised of "very hazardous" road conditions in places and poor visibility at times.

Status Orange - Snow/Ice warning for Clare and other parts of the country. https://t.co/8ADyaougbR

— Clare County Council (@ClareCoCo) March 9, 2023

⚠️ Clare Services Update 8.24am ⚠️
Please RT @aaroadwatch @ClareFM @CLDC_ @ClareCoCo @ClareChampion @ClareEcho @ShannonAirport pic.twitter.com/udDd8p0tBE

— TFI Local Link Limerick Clare (@locallinklc) March 9, 2023

There have been a number of road collisions because of the weather and thousands of homes and business are without power - particularly in west Clare.

The largest outage is in the Miltown Malbay area where, according to ESB Networks, more than 1,200 customers are without power. There are also significant  outages in Kilkee, Kilrush, Ennistymon and Lahinch.

Crews have been deployed and it's hoped power will be restored later this Thursday.

Separately. a Status Yellow snow/ice warning remains in place for Limerick with reports indicating that the wondrous winter conditions to some, have led to many delays and disruptions for others.

Power outages and school closures in Limerick due to overnight snow and sleet

Earlier this Thursday morning, Irish Rail released a statement indicating closures at a platform in Limerick Junction, causing disruptions for train goers. "Staff at Limerick Junction have advised us that platform No.4 is closed due to poor weather conditions." 

Staff at Limerick Junction have advised us that platform No.4 is closed due to poor weather conditions. -AD

— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) March 9, 2023 

Schools games across the county were postponed due to the yellow warnings in place by Met Éireann. In a post to social media, Limerick GAA wrote: "Due to today's yellow warning weather all Limerick post primary schools games are postponed and will be rescheduled in the coming weeks." 

Schools games Postponed: Due to todays Yellow warning weather all Limerick Post Primary Schools games are Postponed https://t.co/PnkopTGFyP

— Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) March 9, 2023

Since just after 9am this Thursday morning, many power outages have been restored across County Limerick in areas including, Askeaton, Glin, Newcastle West and Feenagh.

A scheduled outing has taken place in Cappamore, where approximately 60 customers are due to be affected. This maintenance service is to be completed by 4:30 pm this Thursday afternoon. 

The N21 - between Newcastle West and Templeglantine - has also re-opened after it became impassable in the early hours of the morning due to snowfall.

The N21 at Barna is now cleared and no longer impassable for HGV's.

— Limerick Council - Comhairle Luimnigh (@LimerickCouncil) March 9, 2023

Local Link services to and from a number of towns and villages in west Limerick have also been cancelled due to the bad weather.

A number of schools in west Limerick are closed today and decisions will be made later regarding Friday morning.

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