As many parts of the country woke up to the first sightings of snow on Wednesday morning perhaps it’s time to start stocking up on bread and various other items with serious amounts of snow expected for the remaining of the week.
Met Éireann issued a five-day ‘status yellow’ warning on Tuesday and warned of frequent showers of hail, sleet and snow.
In some areas temperatures are expected to drop as low as -7C.
For those hoping to travel abroad, Cork Airport have asked passengers to allow extra time for all journeys to and from the airport over the next few days.
The big threat of snow this week we are told is on this Thursday (January 31), with winds predicted to turn easterly in direction, extensive snowfall is predicted. Motorists are warned to be extremely cautious and are asked to plan their route before attempting their journey.
Meanwhile, ALONE, the charity that helps elderly people in Ireland, are urging the public to check in on their older neighbours during the cold weather.
"We are asking members of the public to remember their older neighbours living alone and to consider their needs, such as food, essentials or possibly medication pick up," said CEO Seán Moynihan.
"We're advising older people to stay indoors where possible once the cold weather takes hold, and to take care in order to avoid falls on ice or sleet."
TOP TIPS
Motorists are being encouraged to drive with caution as these weather conditions can be unsettling, dangerous and at time hazardous.
The car buying experts at Carzone have put together some helpful tips for motorists to stay safe while driving in these difficult weather conditions.
- When driving in snow and ice, only make journeys in the car when necessary. Plan your route: Stick to the main roads which are safer and more likely to be gritted.
- Get a full tank of fuel: If you do happen to get stranded you can keep the engine running to keep warm.
- Bring a bag of supplies: Be prepared for any problems or delays. Bring food, water, warm clothes, a blanket, torch, first aid kit, fully charged mobile phone, jump leads, ice scraper, de-icing fluid and grit/sand/cat litter (for traction if you get stuck).
- Make sure your car is fit to travel: Check the basics, for example water in the wipers, worn tyres etc.
- Clear the entire windscreen with de-icer fluid or scraper: Make sure the window wipers aren’t stuck to the window. Also clear the side and rear mirrors, front and back lights, door mirrors and number plates.
- Clear any snow off the roof of your car: This can easily slide down while driving and cause visibility issues.
- Steer, accelerate and brake smoothly: Abrupt changes and manoeuvres can result in loss of grip or control.
- Listen to the surface: If the sudden crunch of driving on snow stops, you may be on ice.
- Skidding on ice: Don’t brake, this may prolong the skid. Take your foot of the accelerator and wait for the skidding to stop.
- Spinning on ice: Turn into the slide by turning the front wheels in the same direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding.
