Uisce Éireann is encouraging households to prepare their properties for winter as the season’s first cold spell brings snow and icy conditions to parts of the country this week.
Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and Monaghan have been under a status yellow alert for snow and ice since midnight, reports Breaking News.
These counties are likely to face wintry bursts of hail, sleet and snow throughout today and tomorrow.
A similar alert has also been issued for Northern Ireland, reports Breaking News.
Met Éireann has cautioned that the affected regions may experience dangerous travel conditions and icy patches.
Motorists and pedestrians have been reminded to anticipate slippery stretches on roads, reports Breaking News.
Uisce Éireann noted that freezing weather can cause pipes to burst quickly and has urged people to insulate exposed piping, repair dripping taps and be aware of where their stop valve is located.
The organisation has also advised against leaving taps running, reports Breaking News.
Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, told Newstalk that individuals should ensure they are protected from potential damage.
“The most vulnerable pipes are the exposed pipes, pipes that are exposed to the cold air, that aren’t insulated, so people can take simple steps within their own house to protect their pipes. If the pipes burst in your own house, it can cause untold damage, damaging your floor and your furniture and your electrics, so prevention is better than cure,” Ms Attridge said, reports Breaking News.
Uisce Éireann further warned that frozen pipes continue to pose a serious risk of flooding homes and businesses, and advised reducing drafts and maintaining boilers.
Checking in on vulnerable relatives or neighbours has also been recommended, reports Breaking News.
The utility provides a free text alert service to keep the public updated on nearby supply issues.
Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, told Newstalk that people should use lagging materials to insulate exposed pipes and water tanks to prevent freezing.
“We’re also asking people, if you do have a leak in your pipe or a dripping tap, that can lead to a freeze within the pipe and block the pipe, and it’s also very important to locate your stop valve,” Ms Attridge said, reports Breaking News.
Wednesday’s weather across the country is expected to be cold with sunny spells and scattered showers, some of which may turn to hail or sleet, with snow possible—mostly over higher ground in the north, northwest and east.
Top temperatures will range from just 3 to 7 degrees, though the wind chill from moderate to fresh northwesterly winds will make it feel colder, reports Breaking News.
Tonight is forecast to be cold with clear intervals and showers in the north, west and southwest, with some turning to hail and sleet and a renewed chance of snow over elevated areas.
Lowest temperatures are predicted to fall between -2 and +2 degrees, bringing widespread frost and some icy patches in light to moderate northwesterly winds, reports Breaking News.
Thursday is expected to remain cold with frost and icy spots slow to clear. Most areas will stay dry with sunshine, although northern and western regions will continue to see showers, with more wintry precipitation possible.
These showers are expected to fade as the day progresses, and temperatures will once again reach between 3 and 7 degrees in light to moderate northwesterly winds, reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
