Weather warning for Laois upgraded as 'significant snowfall accumulations expected'

Met Éireann has upgraded its weather warning for Laois to orange as 'significant snowfall accumulations' are expected this weekend. Initially Laois was issued with a status yellow warning but was upgraded to orange on Friday evening. The warning will come into force from 5pm on Saturday, January 4 to 5pm on Sunday, January 5. 

The forecaster has warned of very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus), difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues. A status orange snow and ice warning is also in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary. Meanwhile a status yellow warning for snow and ice will be in place for Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Waterford, and Connacht over the same period. 

A Met Éireann spokesperson said: "An area of low-pressure bringing precipitation will track north-eastwards across the country Saturday afternoon, through Saturday night, clearing into the Irish sea during Sunday afternoon. As the mild moist air meets the cold Arctic air, the rain will turn to sleet and snow in many areas.  

"Significant snowfall accumulations expected across parts of Munster and south Leinster as heavy rain transitions to sleet and snow on Saturday evening, continuing right through to Sunday. Accumulations of 5cm or more are likely in 24 hours. A status orange snow/ice warning has been issued for multiple counties.  Very difficult travelling conditions are expected with poor visibility in any sleet or snow. This will also cause significant travel disruptions and difficult ground conditions."