Communities across Clare are bracing themselves for what could be the country’s worst snow storm in over 30 years.
Temperatures are expected to plummet from tomorrow, with the worst of the weather expected in Clare on Thursday night.
Clare County Council says it has ample supplies of rock salt to treat the county’s roads over the coming days with 1300 tonnes currently in storage at Beech Park.
It’s been dubbed the “Beast from the East” but by all accounts, very few areas will escape the heavy snowfall.
From tomorrow, temperatures will begin to dip, with the east and south-east of the country bearing the brunt of the storm.
Temperatures are expected to drop to as low as minus eight degrees, with up to 10 centimetres of snowfall predicted.
Here in Clare, the worst of the weather will hit overnight on Thursday, and Met Éireann Forecaster Pat Clarke says we’ve a tough week ahead.
The National Emergency Coordination Group has been meeting today to discuss the response, including keeping roads open and de-iced, and ensuring the public is kept informed of how the weather’s progressing.
It’s expected schools will only close on a case-by-case basis, depending on where the snow hits.
Gardaí in Clare are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel once the adverse conditions take hold, and to check in with elderly or vulnerable neighbours, family or friends.
Sergeant Joe Downey says it’s highly important that people act responsibly in this type of weather.
The Housing Minister says homeless people will be prioritised during the expected extreme weather.
Minister Eoghan Murphy says there will be extra beds and rough sleeper teams checking on the most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is appealing to people in North Clare to give blood tonight and tomorrow night, before the worst of the cold weather hits.
Officials are fearful that donation levels could be cut if the country is hit by high levels of snow.
