Meath bracing for another night of freezing temperatures as Status Orange Alert comes into effect

Here is the latest on Ireland's cold snap: Please keep us informed on any weather related issues where you are so we can update readers. We won't add names/list of schools closing as we don't have a definitive list and want to avoid confusion. Schools will communicate directly with parents.

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7.10pm: Cllr Alan Lawes gritting the roads around Johnstown last night.

6.15pm: Credit Union Plus to delay opening

6.05pm: Some superb shots from Melanie Ward here of Trim this afternoon.

6pm: Status Orange Weather Alert for Snow and Ice comes into effect and will remain in place until 11am tomorrow.

5.50pm: Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice

With icy conditions already gripping the country and snow in the forecast, motorists are reminded to take extra precautions on the roads. Driving in snow and ice requires preparation, patience, and practicality to ensure safety for all road users. Carzone, Ireland’s most trusted motoring marketplace, has compiled essential advice to help drivers navigate these treacherous conditions.

The ABCs of Driving in Snow and Ice:

Awareness:

Drive slowly and be mindful of your surroundings.

Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking or accelerating.

Use higher gears to prevent wheel spin and lower gears when traveling downhill.

Check weather updates and road conditions before setting off, and reconsider if driving is necessary.

Beware of Black Ice:

Black ice, often appearing as a glossy patch on the road, is especially hazardous in shaded areas.

Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering. If your car starts sliding, gently steer in the direction of the slide to regain control.

Be Ready to Brake:

Understand if your car has an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). If it does, remember to Step, Stay, and Steer: step on the pedal, stay on the pedal, and steer around obstacles.

For cars without ABS, use cadence braking: apply the brake until the wheels stop rolling, release slightly, and repeat rapidly to maximize grip.

Essential Winter Car Checks:

Tyres:

Ensure a tread depth of at least 3mm for optimal grip.

Check tyre pressures and include the spare tyre in your inspection.

Windows and Mirrors:

Dedicate time each morning to clear ice and snow from all windows and mirrors.

Avoid using hot water to de-ice to prevent cracking the glass. Instead, use a scraper or de-icer spray.

Ensure windshield wiper blades and washer systems are in good working condition.

Lights:

Check that all lights are functional and clear of snow. Use dipped headlights in poor visibility to make your car visible to others.

Safety Features:

Consult your car’s manual to understand safety systems like Electronic Stability Control and ABS. While helpful, these systems are no substitute for cautious driving.

Prepare for the Unexpected:

Carzone also recommends keeping a winter driving kit in your vehicle, including:

An ice scraper and de-icer.

A torch and spare batteries.

A warm blanket, first aid kit, and hi-vis jacket.

Sunglasses to counteract glare from snow and ice.

Speaking about the importance of preparation, Martin O’Neill of Carzone.ie said: “Driving in snow and ice presents unique challenges, but with the right preparation and a cautious approach, motorists can stay safe. From checking your tyres to understanding how to handle black ice, taking these proactive steps can make all the difference.”

1.30pm: Conditions are not getting any better out there folks! "Bitterly cold today with widespread frost, ice & patches of freezing fog lingering - Met Eireann.

12.45pm: Have your bins been collected this morning?

Bord na Mona Recycling Statement: Due to the current adverse weather conditions in certain parts of the country, some collections may not go ahead as scheduled. Many roads and estates remain impassable in Nenagh, Tullamore, Portlaoise and Kildare areas.

We are closely monitoring the situation as the safety of our staff and the public is our top priority. We will update affected customers by text as soon as we have more information. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resume normal services as soon as possible.

12.40pm: Friends of the elderly Ireland reminds us to check in on older people in the community

12.30pm:An important message from An Garda Siochana about staying safe in this cold spell

12:10pm: All entrants expected to make BT Young Scientist despite bad weather. There had been concerns that difficulty with travel may have prevented some of the 550 project owners from getting to the RDS to show their work to the judges. Fifteen projects from seven Meath schools are entered in this year's competition.

Organisers of the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition have said that all entrants are expected to make it to this year's event, which opens today.

There had been concerns that some schools may have been unable to travel to Dublin's RDS because of the adverse weather conditions.

11.10am: Senior Executive Engineer with Meath Co Council shares an important safety message here ahead of this evening's Orange Weather Alert

11am. Bus Eireann has advised that 109B services will not be serving Kildalkey due to adverse weather conditions until further notice.

Bus Éireann would like to advise all intending passengers to check the ‘Service Updates’ section of our website before travelling as there is the potential for disruption to services due to adverse weather conditions.

Bus Éireann will continue to monitor weather advisories (issued by Met Éireann met.ie/warnings) as well as road conditions in the coming days and any service disruptions will be posted on our website - https://www.buseireann.ie/service-updates.

The safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance to Bus Éireann and we would encourage all customers to plan their journeys in advance, allowing extra time for their journey, during this period of adverse weather.

11am:

10.30AM: A low temperature of almost minus-6 degrees was recorded overnight as the cold snap continues.

Met Eireann is warning of extremely cold conditions and widespread severe frost with an Orange Weather warning lifting now but will be reactivated again this evening

The lowest temperature recorded overnight was at Casement Aerodrome in Dublin which dipped to minus 5.8 degrees – while it could drop to minus 8 tonight, Met Éireann has warned.

A Status Orange low temperature and ice warning for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Munster and Connacht will come into effect at 6pm. This warning will remain in place until 11am tomorrow.

A separate Status Orange low temperature and ice warning was in place for most counties overnight and expired at 10am.

A nationwide Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning is now in place until midday on Friday.

The warning is for very cold conditions with widespread frost, ice and lying snow, and patches of freezing fog.