BREAKING: Council prepares for 'extreme conditions' in Limerick under severe snow/ice warning

LIMERICK City and County Council is preparing for a sustained period of extreme wintry conditions with significant snowfall, ice, and freezing temperatures forecast.

Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when travelling, check on vulnerable neighbours and be prepared for disruptions to power supplies and water services.

A Status Orange snow-ice warning comes into effect for Limerick at 5pm on Saturday, valid until 5pm on Sunday. Significant snowfall accumulations are likely.

Potential impacts include: Very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption, delays to public transport (air, rail, bus), difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues.

Severe weather conditions will continue in Limerick through next week with temperatures expected to fall well below freezing.

READ MORE: Playgrounds in Limerick close due to icy conditions

Additional homeless accommodation has been secured to ensure that no one is left out in the cold. The Limerick Homeless Action Team can be contacted at Homeless@limerick.ie or call 061 557051 or 1800 606060 (out of hours).

People may also present at the Temporary Emergency Provision (TEP) at Edenvilla, Lord Edward Street at 9pm. This out of hours service is operated by NOVAS in collaboration with the Limerick Homeless Action Team.

More info can be found here.

The freezing conditions are already having an impact with Mungret Playground and Castletroy Park and Playground closed this Friday, January 3, due to safety concerns. All parks and playgrounds managed by Limerick City and County Council will be monitored in the coming days and will only open if assessed to be safe.

The boardwalk along the River Shannon in Limerick City will close on Saturday afternoon, January 4, ahead of the Status Orange snow-ice warning taking effect.

Limerick City and County Council have sufficient stocks and equipment to keep roads clear during a sustained period of freezing temperatures.

Roads will be treated in line with the Winter Maintenance Operational Plan, with a focus on the National Road Network and strategic regional roads. Extreme caution is advised even on treated roads.

John Gannon, senior engineer of roads at Limerick City and County Council, said: “There remains a degree of uncertainty regarding the weather situation.

“Tonight a widespread frost is forecast and road surface temperatures will fall below freezing. Frost and ice is expected with fog and freezing fog in places.

“Saturday, County Limerick has an orange status weather warning for snow and ice which comes into effect for 24 hours from Saturday afternoon. Significant snowfall accumulations are expected which is likely to commence as rain.

“A widespread frost is expected thereafter with very low temperatures with icy & frosty conditions to continue into the middle of next week. This would result in hazardous travel conditions with poor visibility. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution.”

Mr Gannon added: “Our roads operational crews are ready to respond once conditions are suitable but even on treated roads care should be taken. The priority is the main road network, but we will review and deploy resources as needed. Roads will be evaluated at regular intervals in the coming days and updated forecasts will determine the road treatment schedules.”

For emergencies, contact Limerick City and County Council at 061 556000 or 061 417833 (out of hours).

Key Public Safety Messages:

• Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
• Driving conditions will be hazardous: even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
• Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
• Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
• Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
• People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
• ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. 
• Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.
• People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice
• Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.

Check out our Be Winter Ready guide with further advice on preparing for severe weather.

Stay informed and stay safe!