Fresh Status Orange Low Temperature Warning Issued For Midlands

Thursday, 9 January 2025 06:51

The scene at the Grand Canal in Tullamore where temperatures plunged to minus 6 degrees on Wednesday night

It's in effect until 8 am tomorrow morning.

Met Eireann have issued a Status Orange low temperature and ice warning has been issued for the Midlands.

The warning is now in effect for Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Carlow, Kilkenny, Kildare, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Galway, Roscommon and Tipperary from 7pm until 8am tomorrow morning.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin says while they are valid for some areas in recent days, others are just experiencing a heavy frost and feels it's scaring people:

Tanaiste Michael Martin says he has experienced abnormal weather and ‘difficult’ and ‘challenging’ conditions over the last few days::

Forecaster with Met Eireann, Gerry Murphy, says there'll be hazardous travelling conditions again:

Temperatures dipped to minus 7.5 degrees in Westmeath overnight, while Athenry in Galway saw a low of minus 7.1 degrees overnight.

Road temperatures remain below freezing with motorists being warned to prepare for black ice even on treated roads.

Rhode's Cathal Nolan of Irelands Weather Channel says temperatures will begin to recover on Friday afternoon:

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore is seeing a rise in patients presenting to the Emergency Department after falls due to the current weather conditions.

In a statement, the hospital say that those with 'less serious illness or injury are experiencing longer waiting times.'

They also state they're working with community partners to make sure patients that can be treated 'in alternative services' are seen in order to avoid hospital admission.

Where possible, they're encouraging people to consider other healthcare options including injury units located in Mullingar, Roscommon, Naas and Nenagh.

Several schools across the midlands will remain closed tomorrow due to the weather conditions.

Secondary schools, such as Portlaoise College and St Mary's CBS Portlaoise will remain closed tomorrow, having now been closed for the entire week.

Some national schools are also remaining shut for another day, including St Patrick's Clough, Portlaoise Educate Together National School and St Colmans in Stradbally.

The Timahoe mens choir have taken to social media to offer assistance during the cold snap.

As temperatures remain below freezing for much of the country this evening, some people remain without power, water and transport.

The Laois mens music group have tractors and jeeps at the ready to facilitate any locals struggling to get into town and are urging people to reach out to them if needed.