Met Eireann issue 'Status Orange' weather warning

Met Eireann have issued a severe weather warning for Cavan and much of the rest of the country, upgrading their previous warnings last week to 'Status Orange', or 'Be Prepared'.

The weather warning level reserved for weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas, the Irish weather services say it will be stormy overnight and on Christmas Eve with showers of hail, sleet and possibly snow.

There will be very strong southwest winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 80 km/hr with gusts of 100 to 130 km/hr. Winds will be strongest in coastal counties, however, those in midland areas and the north west are also informed to be braced for severe weather conditions too.
Wintry showers of hail, sleet or snow with icy conditions on some roads, the combination of which, along with very strong winds and wintry showers will make for difficult driving conditions.

Gardai have warned all motorists not to make unnecessary journeys where possible.

Outlook from Tuesday night onwards Met Eireann say will be much more of the same.
It will become cold overnight, with winds moderating considerably and frosty conditions will form quite widely, with some icy patches.

There are likely to be some wintry showers, but there will be some dry clear periods also. Lowest temperatures of zero to -3 C.