Most people woke up to the sound of rain on their windows in Laois this morning.
And while that will help to make the snow disappear, it will also bring about a number of new dangers – particularly for motorists.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) warned drivers not to be ‘lulled into a false sense of security’ as some road conditions remain ‘treacherous’.
They say: “Road users also need to remain vigilant as the snow and ice begins to thaw. Thawing snow and slush will build up at road sides.
“Slow down as there may be a risk of localised flooding as the thaw starts and this will increase the risk of aquaplaning.”
While Laois County Council say that a Status Orange weather warning for snow and ice remains in place for Laois.
They say: “All Motorway and National routes and Priority 1 & 2 routes in Laois are now clear and operational – however drivers should continue to take extreme care.
“Certain other routes in the County are impassable and conditions on all other routes remain hazardous. Council ploughing/salting /gritting operations commenced at 4am this morning.
“All Laois County Council outdoors crews are deployed at present, working at town centre locations and on county and local roads.
“Laois County Council have also engaged the support of 30 contractors to support us in our efforts to unblock as many local and county roads as possible and support the emergency services in reaching locations where incidents are arising.
“Over 50 locations on roads which were fully and/or partially blocked were cleared yesterday across the County.
“We are conscious that there are locations on some local minor roads where roads remain blocked due to large snow accumulations.
“We ask for your continued patience as Laois County Council crews endeavour, with the support of contractors and the Defence Forces personnel, to clear these blocked routes as soon as possible.
“Personnel from the Defence Forces are also assisting with the clearance of footpaths in town centre locations and footpaths near schools all across the County.
“Laois County Council also wishes to acknowledge the support being provided by the agricultural sector and their huge efforts and contribution in removing the large volumes of snow which have accumulated on our roads.
“The Council continues to monitor river levels at this time. These levels remain low and will be monitored on an ongoing basis.”
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