All schools in Clare will close tomorrow and on Friday after a Status Red alert was issued for Munster and Leinster.
Forecasters are predicting ‘blizzard-like’ predictions from 4:00 tomorrow afternoon, and have issued their highest level of warning ahead of the event.
The so-called “Best from the East” truly has arrived – after major snowfall in the East of the country earlier, Met Eireann has this morning issued a Status Red warning for all of Munster and Leinster.
Here, a carpet of white covered the vast majority of the county this morning, with snow slow to melt in some areas.
Snowfall has continued in many areas this afternoon, especially East Clare.
But from tomorrow afternoon we’ll fell the brunt of Storm Emma, when heavy rain and strong winds combine to bring blizzard-like conditions to Clare and the rest of Munster.
Met Eireann has issued a Red warning which will remain in place from 4 pm tomorrow until noon on Friday.
More than 200 flights in and out of Dublin airport have been cancelled due to the weather conditions there, and as a result, 14 flights have diverted to Shannon so far today.
Aer Lingus flights between Shannon and Edinburgh and Birmingham have been cancelled due to operational issues elsewhere.
Passengers are being urged to check the Shannon Airport webpage and Facebook pages for updates before travelling.
Commuters travelling on Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Luas are also facing heavy delays and it’s likely that many services will shut altogether for the next two days.
People are being urged to stay indoors when the brunt of Storm Emma hits tomorrow.
These people told us they’re all ready for the storm.
Shannon Chamber is warning that while this week’s adverse weather could have a major impact on business, employee safety must be prioritised.
CEO Helen Downes says the situation will need to be watched closely.
A number of events have been cancelled in Clare as a result of the weather.
The Thursday sale due to take place at Clare Marts tomorrow has been cancelled.. Entries for next Thursday will be taken up until this coming Monday at 1 pm.
Tonight’s Irish Farmers Journal event, also due to take place in Ennis, has been postponed to March 14th.
Clare County Council is closely monitoring the situation, and has advised drivers in particular to be cautious.
The local authority’s Severe Weather Assessment team will meet this afternoon, and further advice for the public will be issued later.
Clare FM will be providing updates around the clock over the coming days on air and online here. You can check out our online Photo Gallery here too.
