LIMERICK City and County Council has confirmed that it is preparing towns and communities across the county for a “sustained period of extreme wintry conditions” this weekend, with predictions of “significant snowfall, ice, and freezing temperatures forecast”.
This comes as Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange snow and ice warning for all of Limerick, including Tipperary, Clare, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Carlow coming into effect from 5pm this Saturday evening and lasting until 5pm on Sunday.
A Status Yellow rain and snow warning will be in effect for the rest of the country.
According to Met Éireann, a Status Orange weather warming can include “infrequent and dangerous weather conditions which may pose a threat to life and property”.
Snow and ice, according to the weather service under a Status Orange warning, can include accumulation of up to 10cm or more in a 24-hour period, as well as dense or freezing fog, leading to treacherous travel conditions.
The weather service has warned caution across the board on Shannonside, with predictions poor visibility, difficult underfoot conditions, and animal welfare issues with “significant snowfall accumulations” a high possibility.
Along with the freezing weather comes a risk of damage to property, including burst pipes and interruptions to water supply at home, in businesses, and on farms.
It is also predicted that the freezing conditions will continue well into next week, with temperatures below freezing.
‘No one left out in the cold’
In preparation, Limerick City and County Council has confirmed a number of provisions and precautions ahead of the first snowfall, predicted on Saturday evening.
According to the Council, “additional homeless accommodation has been secured to ensure that no one is left out in the cold”.
This comes as local homeless charity Novas this morning told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme this morning that a number of rough sleepers had to be turned away from the service last night (Thursday), despite additional capacity being added.
The Limerick Homeless Action team can be contacted on [email protected], by phone on 061 557 051, or out-of-hours on 1800 606 060.
The emergency provision team at Edenvilla on Lord Edward Street in Limerick City, operated by Novas, is also available for people presenting, with the Council stating that “there is sufficent accommodation to meet demand.
Parks, playgrounds , and roads
The Council also confirmed that all parks and playgrounds managed by the local authority will be monitored over the coming days for public safety concerns. The public playground at Mungret and the Castletroy Park and Playground have already been closed this Friday due to safety concerns.
The boardwalk along the River Shannon in Limerick City will also close this Saturday afternoon, ahead of the first snowfall.
The Council has confirmed that it has “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,” a Council spokesman said.
Stay safe and help others
Among a number of key public safety recommendations issued by the Council ahead of the freeze were to “check on elderly, vulnerable, and isolated neighbours’, and “keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys”.
Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and when working alone.
Pet owners have also been urged to express best judgement in when to take walks or allow animals outside.
In cases of emergency, Limerick City and County Council can be contacted on 061 556 000 or out-of-hours on 061 417 833, as well as ESB emergency services (1800 372 999), and Uisce Éireann (1800 278 278).
A ‘Be Winter Ready’ guide is also available on Limerick.ie with further advice on preparing for severe weather.
