Mass-goers and other drivers see cars skid as they battle snowy roads in Limerick

MASS-goers and other commuters in Limerick are battling treacherous road conditions this Saturday evening, with some cars skidding on roads as they try to navigate the tricky and dangerous conditions.

At least three cars outside the Ss Peter and Paul Church in Kilmallock were witnessed skidding, and cutting out, as they tried to manoeuvre their way through the rising fresh blanket of snow which formed very quickly from 7pm.

Mass-goers returned to their cars to see over an inch of snow already lodged on top.

There are reports of similar treacherous driving conditions in other parts of the county this Saturday evening as Mass takes place and the general public go about their own necessary business.

Treacherous road conditions out there now, folks, in parts of county as snow begins to accumulate.

Scene in Kilmallock now.

More on https://t.co/WN7tpghbpa soon pic.twitter.com/YXBJ5VwN1B

— Limerick Leader / Limerick Live (@Limerick_Leader) January 4, 2025

A status orange snow-ice warning came into effect for Limerick at 5pm this Saturday and is valid until 5pm on Sunday.

Limerick City and County Council are urging commuters to exercise extreme caution.

Status Orange Snow/Ice warning in effect for Limerick. Snow falling in West Limerick. N21 being ploughed and treated. Exercise extreme caution.@MetEireann for latest forecasts.
Report issues to @LimerickCouncil 061 417833
Templeglantine pic.twitter.com/wrmwMIxoiz

— Limerick Council - Comhairle Luimnigh (@LimerickCouncil) January 4, 2025

A virtual National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) meeting was held this Saturday morning to prepare for the potentially disruptive weather forecasted across the country.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised the safety advice for the public saying:

“We are going to see difficult travel conditions for much of the country in the coming days. Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted – so I urge people to slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey. It’s important that drivers travelling longer journeys are aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country. 

READ ALSO: ALERT: Drivers warned one bad habit could lead to crash amid Met Éireann snow warnings

"Footpaths can also be extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice so please take extra care while walking.

“Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so I’d advise people to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area." 

Heavy snow impacting roads in many parts of County Limerick. Carrigkerry to Athea R523, Devon cross to Dromcollogher R515 and Dromcollogher to NCW R522 being ploughed and treated.

N21
Newcastle Westhttps://t.co/wBy1KjZMnH pic.twitter.com/cBbhO8rDf2

— Limerick Council - Comhairle Luimnigh (@LimerickCouncil) January 4, 2025

While commuters cautiously navigate the snow-covered roads, children are already embracing the winter wonderland, joyfully tossing snowballs and building snowmen.

Send us your snow photographs (children building snowmen / snowy scenes) with the names of those photographed and location to news@limerickleader.ie and we will endeavour to use them online and/or in print over the coming days.

Stay safe.