Waterford Council crews 'experiencing difficulties' as heavy snow makes landfall

Met Éireann has added a Status Orange Snow/ Ice warning for Waterford until 8pm this evening (Sunday) and a Status Yellow Low Temperature / Ice warning for the whole of Ireland will be in place until midday, Thursday, January 9^th.

With very cold nights with widespread frost and ice, potential impacts include hazardous travelling conditions, icy patches and travel disruption.

Senior Roads Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, Gabriel Hynes, spoke to WLR News:

"At present we're having some difficulties in the Comeragh area, Ballymacarbry, Clonmel, Rathgormack and Portlaw with significant snowfall in those areas at present. In the rest of the county at the moment - it's rainfall - but snow is accumulating on the ground there."

"We have crews on the ground there with some of the local roads. I think this afternoon may become impassable out there with our crews focusing on the main routes. So the snow, rain, it's a very complex picture in that we have sleet, rain and snow combined and it can be very difficult to treat because the rainfall will wash away the grit and salt. It's complex."

"What I need to advise the public in particular is that roads are going to be very dangerous this afternoon, this evening and tomorrow morning. Where snow accumulates on the roads, that will become very icy - but in areas of the county where you won't get snow, you're going to get wet roads with temperatures dropping to -5 tonight. You're going to get black ice and very, very dangerous road conditions. I would be avoiding unnecessary journeys particularly in higher areas - you can expect some of those roads to be impassable out in the Comeragh area in particular."

The Waterford side of the Mountain Road near Clonmel. Photo: Ciaran Fahy

Waterford City and County Council joined a National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) meeting this morning and the Local Authority's Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) is monitoring conditions locally.

Waterford City and County Council will continue to treat the Priority One and Two road networks. Waterford road network Gritting Routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/

With heavy snowfall ongoing in higher areas – Ballymacarbry, Rathgormack, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir - some roads may become impassable, and people should avoid travelling in these areas.

Wet surfaces and overnight freezing temperatures will lead to very slippery conditions and the possibility of black ice, making travel conditions throughout the week very challenging. Waterford City and County Council advises people to assess whether making a journey by road is necessary. If it is not, please consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve.

If the journey is necessary Waterford City and County Council is advising motorists to slow down and drive with caution even on gritted roads, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.

With surface water levels remaining high until 9am Monday, January 6th, there may be some risk of localised and spot flooding. Waterford City and County Council is asking motorists to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Waterford City and County Council's Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements.

Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks and the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Key public safety messages:

Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
Drivers travelling longer journeys are advised to be aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.
Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.
Take extra care while walking as footpaths can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.