A STATUS RED Snow-ice Warning for Munster has issued from Met Eireann, valid from Thursday March 1st 4pm to Friday March 2nd 12 noon. The issue of a RED level severe weather warning advises people to protect themselves and/or their properties.
This RED Warning has issued due to forecasted blizzard-like conditions expected to develop with heavy snow and strong easterly winds on Thursday evening, continuing Thursday night and Friday morning giving significant snow drifts in many areas.
Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and Crisis Management Team have convened to review preparations which are currently underway in advance of the expected freezing conditions.
In addition, the Cork Local Coordination Group have convened and are asking members of the public to heed advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group to not venture out of doors while the red level warning is in place.
All Council offices and amenities, including libraries, will be closed Thursday March 1st and Friday March 2nd.
Cork County Council has opened a 24 hour emergency line on 021 4800048.
Roads continue to be monitored and treatment undertaken in accordance with the Council’s Winter Service Plan. Snow ploughs are available to assist in clearing roads. . All Priority 1 and 2 roads were treated last night with 20 gritting machines applying 300 tonnes of salt. Road treatment routes can be found athttps://corkcoco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=458130007f7443099edaab1a8fc91839
The Council currently has 27 salt spreaders and can call upon other specialist equipment if required. This will continue over the coming days. The Council currently has 3600 tonnes of salt in stock and is confident this reserve will ensure continuation of service throughout this forecasted severe weather period.
Grit is available at over 190 locations across the county for use by local communities. Locations of grit across Cork County can be found athttp://www.corkcoco.ie/sites/cork-cms/files/Grit%20Locations%20-%20revised%2028%20Feb%202018.pdf
If travel is necessary, all road users are asked to exercise extreme caution on roads and to never assume that a route has been treated. Similarly pedestrians are asked to take extra care using footpaths.
Cork County Council has been in contact with Irish Water and has confirmed sufficient chemical storage for treatment plants. Tankers are also on standby for water supply for housing estates if required. Customers experiencing water outages should contact Irish Water on 1850278278 or consult the Irish Water website for the most up to date information.
The Council’s Housing Department will respond to the impact that the severe weather may have on any person sleeping rough in the county. Cork County Council has also put a 24 hour maintenance policy into effect for council tenants. If a Council tenant experiences any difficulty they are advised to contact 021 4800048.
Cork County Council is advising the public to make preparations for this severe weather event. Owners of vacant premises are asked to shut off their water supplies as a precaution in case of frozen pipes. Members of the public are asked to look in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they have adequate heating and food supplies for a few days.
Updates will be provided on Cork County Council’s social media channels and website.
Advice on how to prepare for this severe weather event can also be found at www.winterready.ie
Further updates will issue in due course.
ENDS
