Clare is said to be “in the grip of an Arctic air mass” with bitterly cold conditions expected to prevail in the county for a number of days.
A Status Yellow low temperature warning is now in place for the entire country until Friday as temperatures are predicted to dip as low as minus eight degrees in parts of the county.
Following heavy snowfall in many parts of this county and beyond, a Yellow nationwide snow and ice warning has been extended to midday tomorrow, with hazardous travelling conditions and poor visibility among the expected effects.
Separately, Met Éireann has implemented a Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning for all counties which will be in place until midnight on Friday, and the forecaster has warned that temperatures will struggle to get above freezing during the day.
Wednesday morning will bring the lowest temperatures of the cold snap so far to Clare, as those in Ennis and Crusheen are expected to be hit with minus eight degree conditions between 6am and 7am.
In accordance with its Winter Maintenance Plan, Clare County Council has treated the majority of routes in the county but it’s stressing that no road is entirely safe to travel, even after being ploughed and gritted.
Meteorologist Michelle Dillon, who’s originally from Tullycrine says despite the bleak forecast for the week, there’s light at the end of the tunnel as slightly warmer temperatures are on their way.
Clare appears to be evading the worst of the cold weather conditions’ effects today though, as schools have so far remained open here, despite being many closing their doors in Carlow, Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.
34,000 homes and businesses remain without power nationwide as ESB crews work to restore supply, with electicity now returned to all but 49 customers in Lissycasey, Tulla and Cratloe.
It’s also understood a power outage at Meelick National School and surrounding areas has resulted in water supply disruptions, but Uisce Éireann says it expects the problem to be resolved by early this afternoon.
Stephen McKenna, Head of Claims at Campion Insurance, which has offices based in Ennis says turning off your water supply in the event of a burst pipe can prevent serious damage to your property.
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