ORANGE WARNING: "Snow ploughs and crews are ready to respond"

Officials from Kildare County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) today joined the latest briefing with The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Services, Met Éireann and other Principal Response Agencies, where we were updated on the developing weather situation.

A status Orange Snow Ice Warning for Kildare and the Leinster region has been issued by Met Éireann and will come into effect from midnight tonight until 10:00 Friday.

Spells of sleet and snow and strong winds are forecast overnight. Significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas by morning along with icy conditions.

A Council statement said:

"Officials from Kildare County Council’s SWAT convened this afternoon to review local preparedness.

"Our depots are currently fully stocked with salt and we have plant, equipment, snow ploughs and crews available to respond as required.

"Kildare County Council has 10 key routes identified for salting throughout the county.

"Salting is scheduled to take place on routes from 10pm this evening and another will commence at approx. 3.00am tomorrow morning, Friday 10th.

"We will continuously monitor weather conditions overnight and tomorrow morning, and further salting may take place, if required."

The Council advised all road users to drive with extreme caution and to be aware of the dangers posed by these adverse conditions, particularly during the early commuter hours of Friday morning when driving conditions may be hazardous.

Pedestrians are advised to take extra care and be aware of icy conditions as footpaths may also be affected.