ALERT: Kildare upgraded to Status Orange Weather Warning for freezing fog

A Status Orange freezing fog warning is in place today (December 12) across multiple counties including Kildare. 

The alert is for up to 12 midnight today in Connacht, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary

Forecasters said: "Freezing fog, dense in places, will persist through the afternoon and into tonight, leading to very hazardous driving conditions."

Met Éireann has already advised that temperatures will remain very low for the rest of the week, bringing a range of wintry hazards including severe frost, ice, wintry showers and freezing fog. 

Local Authorities’ severe weather assessment teams are continuing to monitor the situation and co-ordinate their responses. 

Most schools remain open as normal - though a small number of schools were closed today due to hazardous local conditions - and any decision to close is made by the principal/management taking into account local conditions and safety advice. 

Driving conditions will be hazardous with black ice, freezing temperatures, and freezing fog. Even where roads are gritted, people are advised to slow down, drive with caution, and be aware of other road users. 

People should take extra care while walking on footpaths, check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours and call 999 or 112 in case of emergency.