Snow warning extended in Laois

The status orange weather warning for snow and ice has been extended in Laois by Met Eireann. 

After significant snowfall across the county overnight the forecaster is warning of further falls of sleet and snow today and into this evening. The orange warning was due to expire at 5pm on Sunday, January 5 but has been extended to 8pm. 

The public is being warned again of very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption and delays to public transport likely, difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues. 

There are hundreds of homes and businesses without power across the county. There are almost 200 ESB customers in the Stradbally area affected.  There is a fault at Roscrea affecting 55 homes around Borris-in-Ossory and there are a further 20 customers affected in the Raheen area. There are 46 homes and businesses without power near Ballynakill.

Many businesses have taken the decision to close on Sunday due to the conditions locally. 

A Met Eireann forecaster said: "Cold and blustery today with further falls of rain, sleet and snow throughout much of the day. Significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas leading to disruption. Highest temperatures generally ranging from 0 to 4 degrees, with moderate to fresh and gusty northeasterly winds becoming northerly later.

"Tonight rain, sleet and snow will clear during the evening to leave a very cold and icy night with widespread frost. Lowest temperatures ranging from -5 to zero degrees with moderate to fresh northwest breezes, easing inland later.

"Bitterly cold tomorrow with widespread frost and lying snow possible in places. There'll be sunshine, and some scattered wintry showers developing. Top temperatures generally ranging from 0 to +4 degrees but staying below freezing over snow-fields. Light to moderate west to northwest winds."