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Met Éireann Status Orange Rain/Snow warning issued for Waterford

Orange Weather Warning

A Met Éireann Status Orange Rain/Snow Warning has been issued for Waterford and is in place from 17:00 Saturday 04/01/2025 to 17:00 Sunday 05/01/2025.

Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations are expected.

The very cold spell across the country will lead to very disruptive weather, with an area of low pressure sending up some heavy rain, sleet and snow. This cold spell is expected to extend into next week with lying snow, some wintry showers and widespread severe frost and ice and some freezing fog also.

Waterford City and County Council joined a National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) meeting this morning and the Local Authority’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) is monitoring conditions locally.

Waterford City and County Council advises that the Priority One and Two Road networks have been gritted this morning and Waterford City and County Council ground crews are attending to gritting Priority Three roads as resources allow.  All Waterford City and County Council Gritting Routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “While the weather status may have changed from yellow to orange, the key public safety messages remain the same.

“We would advise all motorists to exercise caution when travelling, allow extra time for your journey and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.  Travelling conditions throughout the evening and night will be difficult, even on gritted roads, so please slow down and be aware of other road users.

“Footpaths will also be hazardous in the icy conditions, so we are asking pedestrians to take extra care.”

With heavy rainfall expected there may be some risk of localised and spot flooding and Waterford City and County Council is asking motorists to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements.  Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks and the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

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 as 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.
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • 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 its 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.

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