DONEGAL is set to be hit with heavy sleet and snow leading to blizzard-like conditions in parts with treacherous driving conditions from 3am to 3pm tomorrow.
That is the warning this afternoon from Donegal County Council.
“Strong winds from Storm Eunice will be accompanied by heavy rain and snow which will bring challenging conditions across Donegal during the expected storm period,” said a spokesperson for the local authority.
“This is the second storm to hit the country this week and Met Éireann advises that Storm Eunice will track quickly over Ireland tonight and Friday morning.
“With treacherous driving conditions forecast and blizzard-like conditions, motorists are being asked to only undertake essential travel and to exercise extreme caution while driving. Schools in Donegal and six other counties will remain closed tomorrow because of Storm Eunice.”
Marine warnings are also in place for the entire country with “cyclonic variable gale or strong gales, veering north westerly overnight (Thursday) and on Friday on coasts from Erris Head to Malin Head to Belfast Lough. Storm surge levels associated with Storm Eunice are predicted to significantly increase in a number of coastal areas.
“Donegal County Council has pre-deployed sandbags in a number of high risk areas and further sandbags are in readiness if required. Roads service, Fire Service and Civil Defence crews are at a heightened state of readiness in the event of local responses being required during this storm event.
“A continued period of inclement weather is also forecast over the weekend and the public are asked to keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.”
Donegal County Council added that its Severe Weather Assessment Team is keeping the approaching weather pattern under review and will continue to monitor all local conditions as Storm Eunice progresses.
“Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900 and in the event of an out-of-hours emergency the Council’s Road Service can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.
“You can keep up to date on conditions by signing up for free alerts to your phone by registering at www.mapalerter.com/donegal or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on Twitter @DonegalCouncil.”
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