Ireland faces snow chaos and power outages

Winter has hit Ireland hard, with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and thousands of people left without power. Here’s what’s happening and how to stay safe.

Snow and ice disrupt travel across munster

Heavy snow has caused havoc across north Munster, with parts of Limerick, Cork, Tipperary, and Kerry buried under drifts more than a metre deep.

What’s happening:

• Roads barely passable: Snow ploughs and gritting lorries are working non-stop, but key routes like the Cork-Limerick road are still dangerous.
• Car accidents: Icy roads led to four separate crashes near Limerick, with one driver hospitalised. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
• School closures: Many schools in north Munster and south Leinster are expected to stay closed tomorrow as buses struggle with icy roads.

Some towns, like Charleville and Kanturk in Cork and Hospital in Limerick, are seeing some of the heaviest snowfalls. Meanwhile, Kerry’s Killarney-Farranfore road is covered in thick snow, and conditions near the Galtee Mountains are said to be nearly impossible.

Power outages and health risks amid freezing temperatures

Around 28,000 homes and businesses are without power, and the cold snap is raising serious safety concerns.

What you need to know:

• Keeping warm: Health officials are urging everyone to keep indoor temperatures above 18°C, especially for the elderly and vulnerable. If you rely on medical equipment like ventilators or oxygen machines, make sure you’ve registered as a vulnerable customer with your energy supplier.
• Flood risks: While some areas are covered in snow, others are facing heavy rain. Rivers like the Blackwater in Cork are expected to overflow, and flood defences are already up in Fermoy.
• Stay away from water: With rivers and lakes swollen, water safety groups are asking people to avoid dangerous areas.

Cold snap safety tips: How to stay warm and protected

With temperatures expected to drop to as low as -10°C, staying safe is more important than ever. Here are some tips:

• On the roads: Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you do, check the weather forecast and take it slow—icy roads are unforgiving.
• Stock up: Keep essentials like non-perishable food and bread in the freezer. If you can, use home delivery services or meals-on-wheels to avoid unnecessary trips.
• Ventilation matters: It’s tempting to keep everything shut to stay warm, but don’t forget to ventilate your home to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.

With more freezing temperatures on the way, Ireland is bracing for more disruption. Whether it’s stocking up, staying warm, or avoiding icy roads, small steps can make a big difference during this bitter cold snap.

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