People walking across frozen lakes in Laois urged to stop

Laois County Council has issued an appeal for people to stop walking across frozen lakes at various locations across the county. 

The warning comes after the Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team met on Thursday, January 9 ahead of another night of severe weather conditions. 

"It has come to the Severe Weather Assessment Team’s attention that persons are walking across frozen lakes, at various locations in County Laois. This is highly dangerous and must be avoided," the Council said in a statement. 

A status orange low temperature and ice warning comes into effect at 7pm on Thursday evening and will remain in place until 8am on Friday, January 9. This will be followed by a status yellow warning for low temperatures and ice until noon on Friday. 
"Through Friday morning, rain will spread through the County, from the south west, and that rain, coming into contact with cold road surfaces, is likely to give rise to very hazardous road conditions throughout the County. Motorists are urged not to become complacent, to slow down and to be very wary of a high probability for poor road conditions and black ice. Motorists should continue to prioritise treated routes, insofar as possible," said a Council spokesperson.

"Untreated footpaths will continue to be extremely hazardous.   

"In the likelihood of a slow thaw, please avoid driving to elevated locations for recreation and amenity purposes this weekend. It is unlikely that road conditions will return to normal in these areas until Monday, at the earliest."

Met Éireann has warned that tonight will be extremely cold with widespread severe frost and ice, along with lying snow in some areas. The forecaster has also warned of patches of freezing fog.