West’s weather warning runs until Friday afternoon

THE high alert period for hazardous weather conditions across Galway and the West runs from Thursday morning until the afternoon on Friday – Met Éireann last night increased their warning level for the region from yellow to red.

Strong to near gale-force winds from the north-west will blow in spells of snow, as Storm Emma from the south collides with the bitterly cold weather system, nicknamed the ‘Beast from the East’ that has hit the country over recent days.

Gardai have strongly advised the public not to make any unnecessary journeys during this hazardous weather period and, if at all possible, to stay indoors.

Garda Chief Superintendent, Tom Curley, told the Connacht Tribune said that staying off the road and avoiding any unnecessary journeys during this orange status weather warning period was the best advice.

“The combination of wind, snow, low temperatures and icy road surface represents a high-risk situation for driving while drifting snow can also lead to accumulations.

“If it is absolutely essential to go on the road, make sure to have a fully charged mobile phone with you; to wear warm clothing; and to have a blanket with you in case of emergency,” said Tom Curley.

He also strongly advised all drivers to slow down during this current spell of cold and icy weather and to avoid ‘tailgating’ the vehicle in front of them, a practice that had the potential for disaster if a crisis braking situation occurred.

“Obviously, people should keep in touch with the weather forecast and newscasts as regards changing weather conditions, while we would also ask people to check in on their elderly neighbours and especially so if these neighbours are living alone.

“Just in terms of security, we would also ask home and car owners not to let their guard down at times like this. Opportunist thieves will avail of any chance they get, so never forget to lock up your cars and your homes at all times,” said Tom Curley.

At 11am on Wednesday morning, Met Éireann, upgraded their status warning for Connacht, Cavan and Monaghan from yellow to orange, from 8pm this evening (Thursday) to 12 noon on Friday.

“Persistent snow will develop on Thursday night and will continue into Friday. Together with strong easterly winds, this may lead to snow drifts,” the Met Éireann warning states.

Galway and the West – as in the case of Hurricane Ophelia last October – have, so far, avoided the more extreme conditions that have hit parts of Leinster and South Munster since last Tuesday, bringing many services to a halt including the closure of all schools through Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile supermarkets across Galway have reported a significant increase in food sales through the early days of this week with many selling out of bread following a barrage of national publicity about the spell of cold weather.

According to Met Éireann, the snowfall and strong winds should ease through Friday with extended dry spells during Saturday and Sunday – temperatures are also expected to touch 4° to 9° through the course of Sunday.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.