24 Feb 2022 | 04:25 AM UTC
Ireland: Adverse weather forecast across Ireland through at least Feb. 25
Adverse weather forecast across Ireland through at least Feb. 25. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Heavy snow, hail, sleet, and strong winds are forecast across most of Ireland through at least Feb. 25. As of early Feb. 24, Met Eireann has issued the following weather warnings:
Orange storm warning: Rossan Point to Bloody Foreland to Fair Head; westerly to northwesterly winds of up to 100 kph (60 mph) are possible.
Yellow wind warning: Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo.
Yellow snow and ice warning: nationwide; hazardous driving conditions are likely due to hail, sleet, and snow with icy stretches on untreated surfaces. Lightning is also forecast.
Yellow gale warning: from Roches Point to Bloody Foreland to Carnsore Point and on the Irish Sea.
Small craft warning: from Carnsore Point to Hook Head to Roches Point.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storm could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Out of an abundance of caution, confirm all transport reservations before travel in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
