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Status Yellow Low Temperature – Ice warning to remain in place for remainder of week

A Status Yellow Snow – Ice warning for Waterford and the rest of Ireland will be in place from today until 12:00 tomorrow (Tuesday, January 7th), with a Low Temperature – Ice warning extended to 00:00 Friday, January 10th.

With very cold nights with widespread frost, ice and freezing fog and possibility of black ice, potential impacts include hazardous travelling conditions and travel disruption.

Waterford City and County Council Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) joined a National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) meeting this morning and local conditions are being monitored continually.

Throughout the weekend, Waterford City and County Council continually treated over 750 kilometres of Priority One, Two and Three roads network with over 800 tonnes of salt, and will continue to treat these roads over the coming days. Ten snow ploughs are also deployed on a continuous basis to prevent snow accumulation.

Waterford roads network 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, “Waterford City and County Council ground crews are continually attending to the road networks to ensure they remain safe and passable.  However, we would still urge all motorists to exercise caution on their journeys.

“Nightime temperatures are set to drop considerably and travelling conditions will be challenging, even on gritted roads, so please slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.”

Pedestrians are also advised to take care as footpaths will be dangerous with be slippery due to ice and frost, and cyclists are advised to also exercise caution during this cold weather spell.  While key arterial routes are being treated, there are cycle routes that may not be gritted.

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available for rough sleepers at McGwire House.  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 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.
  • Road 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.
  • Drivers travelling longer journeys are advised to be aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country
  • Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather; people are advised to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.
  • Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
  • 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 our 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
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
  • Those travelling by air over the weekend should allow plenty of time for their journey. Passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly.
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