Ireland is experiencing severe frost and icy conditions today, leading to school closures in parts of the country and Northern Ireland.
Due to the conditions, at least 150 schools in Northern Ireland are closed, along with all schools in the Finn Valley area of Co Donegal.
It’s understood that many more schools in all parts of the country could close today or in the coming days due to the weather.
Met Éireann has forecasted a treacherous morning with widespread frost, ice, and patches of freezing fog. Wintry showers are affecting northern and western areas, with possible snow accumulations. Sharp to severe frost and ice are expected nationwide.
Several Status Yellow warnings are in effect:
– A Snow-Ice warning covers Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Connacht, and Louth until 11am, with wintry showers possible elsewhere.
– A Low Temperature/Ice warning applies to Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, and Munster until 11am.
In Northern Ireland, a UK Met Office Yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place for counties including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry until noon, with potential travel disruptions.
Recent low temperatures include -4.5°C recorded at midnight in Gurteen, Co Tipperary, and -5.2°C at 6am on January 4 in Athenry, Co Galway.
Road users face hazardous conditions from black ice and freezing fog. Authorities advise extreme caution, extra travel time, and preparation for icy patches and snow showers, particularly during the morning commute.
People are advised to check with local Facebook and WhatsApp groups in relation to their own school.
