Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann, Evelyn Cusack, has said there will be a mix of snow, sleet, rain, sun and wind across the country over the coming days.
Status Yellow snow, ice and wind alerts have been issued for Munster, Connacht and Leinster.
They will take effect at 8am tomorrow and will be in place until 8am on Friday.
Met Éireann said that a band of sleet and snow will spread northeastwards giving accumulations of up to 5cm in some areas, higher over mountains, but turning to rain in the west and south tomorrow night.
Strong to gale force southeast winds together with rain, sleet and snow will lead to poor visibility and hazardous conditions.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Ms Cusack said there will be snow over Kerry by around 7am tomorrow, which will push into Cork and turn to sleet with rain later, and said there will be heavy rain, sleet and snow showers in Cork.
She said this weather band will push up across the country, but it is not going to snow in the east until possibly tomorrow night.
Ms Cusack said there will be snow tomorrow in Connacht, across the midlands and in Tipperary.
She said there will be blizzard type conditions in some areas, with a wind warning in places.
Ms Cusack said it is likely there will be no snow in Ulster and much of north and east Leinster tomorrow, but the snow is likely to arrive in the north and east on Saturday.
She said the cold snap will be followed by less cold but very wet weather, leading to a risk of flooding for the early part of next week.
Will it snow where you are tomorrow?
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 10, 2021
If so, what time and how much? ☃️
The animation below runs from midnight tonight to Fri afternoon.
Blue/yellow/wine colours = rain
White/green = snow
The heaviest snow will be over high ground in Munster & south Leinster.#sneachta pic.twitter.com/FQHKApPcW9
The Road Safety Authority is advising all road users to take extra care during the forecast bad weather.
It has issued the following tips for drivers dealing with snow conditions:
- Remove all snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
- Clear windows and mirrors before you set out, use a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass. In snow and icy conditions slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
- In blizzard conditions, visibility will be reduced greatly. Do not drive on the tail lights of the vehicle in front. This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy snow, use your fog lights, turn off your radio and open your window a fraction, so you can hear other traffic, especially at junctions.
- Use dipped headlights at all times, and fog lights in heavy snow to ensure you are seen by other motorists, but don't forget to turn them off afterwards. Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space.
- Drivers of high sided vehicles like trucks and buses are particularly at risk from both the dangers posed by snow but also from the high winds associated with blizzard conditions.
Pedestrians are advised in snow and Icy conditions to:
- Wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch as visibility is reduced in snowy conditions. Wear clothing that does not restrict your vision.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Walk on the footpath, not on the road. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
- Do not underestimate the danger of ice. Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, on the path or while getting out of the car. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with snow or ice, always use extreme caution.
Cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to:
- Not compromise their safety by their 'need' to travel in icy/snow conditions.
- Visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so cyclists should wear a Sam Browne Bandolier belt or high visibility vest and ensure the lights on your bike are working correctly.
- Motorcyclists should avoid wearing a dark visor in any bad light conditions.
- Remember other road users may not 'expect' you and could therefore comprise your safety.
