The people of Laois are waking up to a blanket of snow this morning following a heavy snowfall over night around the county.
Laois has been one of the counties most effected – and an orange weather warning remains in place until 11pm tonight with temperatures set to drop as low as -10 degrees.
Motorists are warned not to take unnecessary journeys – and take extreme caution if they have to drive anywhere.
“Accumulations of 4 to 8 cm could occur quite widely with greater totals possible,” said Met Eireann on Saturday.
“Drifting snow locally at times too with brisk winds. Slippery paths and treacherous roads also due to snow accumulation and ice.”
“The transition from rain to snow is underway albeit two hours later than forecast,” posted the Laois Weather page at 5am.
“However, we emphasise that snowfall will now begin to fall in most areas of the county for several hours to come (until around Midday, possibly beyond) and this will accumulate regardless of the surface water caused by the recent heavy rain.
“NOTE: A stronger than expected Irish Sea breeze has delayed the arrival of the snow but this breeze has significantly subsided now and the colder air from the northwest can do it’s work turning rain to sleet then snow.
Gardai in the midlands say all national primary routes are passable -despite frost and snow overnight. Snow falls of 2-4 cms are reported in many parts of Longford, Westmeath, Laois , Offaly&Roscommon but local authority staff had treated all national roads before midnight pic.twitter.com/QEchNFQOiU
— Ciaran Mullooly (@ciaranmullooly) December 10, 2017
Road conditions across the county are very poor. Please use extra caution if you have to travel today. Our volunteers are currently providing transport for hospital staff from the worst affected areas. pic.twitter.com/KbR4g6BOmH
— Laois Civil Defence (@LaoisCivilDefen) December 10, 2017
“WARNING: Temperatures will remain at 2c or lower for the day resulting in freezing underfoot giving rise to very icy conditions. After dark on Sunday evening, expect a severe and penetrating frost with low temperatures in the range of -6c to -10c expected as skies clear on Sunday evening.”
All local rugby and soccer fixtures have been postponed because of the weather while the AIB Leinster Club SFC final between Kildare champions Moorefield and Westmeath side St Loman’s which was scheduled for O’Moore Park has been postponed until next Sunday.
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The LaoisToday 2017 Annual is now on sale in bookshops and newsagents around the county – this is where you can buy it
