Met Eireann has extended the Status Red weather warning to all Irish counties tonight as extreme weather approaches the country.
The ‘Beast from the East’ and Storm Emma has led to the most severe warning level to be placed nationwide. The alert is in effect from Wednesday at 11pm to Friday at 3pm.
Heavy snow and freezing weather from the east is expected to meet severe winds of up to 100km/hr with Storm Emma on Thursday to create blizzard conditions across Ireland, the likes of which have not been experienced in the country since 1982.
The weather event is forecast to move up from southern counties throughout the night, and the National Emergency Coordination Group has warned that ‘everybody’ will be impacted by the ‘Beast from the East’. While eastern and southern counties are believed to be the worst affected, emergency protocol is being employed all over Ireland to protect lives.
Status Red warnings have never been applied to snow since the coding system was introduced by Met Eireann in 2013. This rare alert is used to ensure people take action in the interest of their own safety.
Motorists are advised not to travel in areas affected by a Status Red warning.
This warning is likely to affect public transport, school openings, workplaces and events in Donegal in the coming days. A number of schools in Inishowen have already announced they are to close on Thursday.
To notify of community cancellations, postponements and news, please email info@donegaldaily.com
