Laois braced for 'significant snowfall' as status orange weather warning due to come into effect

A status orange weather warning for snow will come into effect in Laois from 5pm on Saturday, January 4 bringing significant accumulations of snow and very difficult travelling conditions. 

The status orange warning will be in place from 5pm on Saturday to 5pm on Sunday with the cold snap to continue through to Thursday. 

"A band of rain moving up over Ireland from the southwest during Saturday will turn increasingly to sleet and snow through Saturday evening and Saturday night with some impactful snow accumulations expected in places before the system clears away to the east during Sunday," said Met Eireann. 

"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.   

"Generally lower snow accumulations, but still impactful in many places, are expected in other counties under a status yellow snow/ice warning through Saturday and Sunday, with accumulations of 1-5cm in 24 hours likely in some areas. Travel disruptions can also be expected in these areas.   Heavy rain forecast for counties Kerry and Cork on Saturday evening and night looks like it will remain as rain for southern parts of the counties with some localised flooding possible. Yellow rain/snow warnings have been issued for these counties.  In Kerry and Cork falls of sleet and snow are most likely away from the coast and particularly at higher elevations in the north of the two counties." 

The cause of snow: 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. 
 
"Warnings have been issued to reflect the situation; these may be updated as the situation evolves. The cold weather will continue well into next week as a cold Arctic northerly airflow become established from Sunday night. Lying snow will persist in some areas with frosty and icy conditions countrywide."