Donegal shuts down following status red weather warning

A status red weather warning has been put in place for Donegal and all other parts of the country.

Despite earlier predictions that Donegal and the North West would escape the worst of Storm Emma and the so-called ‘Beast from the East’, a national status red weather warning was put in place last night at 11pm and will be valid until tomorrow, Friday, March 2 at 3pm.

The bitter cold temperatures and snowfall are due to a Siberian easterly, anti-cyclone which was centred over Scandinavia last week. Sub-zero temperatures are expected throughout today and into tomorrow with heavy snowfall expected in some parts of the county.

A spokesperson from Met Eireann said:”Further heavy snow showers will bring accumulations of significant levels with all areas at risk.

“Blizzard conditions will develop from the south Thursday afternoon and evening as heavy snow and strong easterly winds bring snow drifts northwards over the country. Eastern and southern coastal counties will be worst affected.

“The issue of RED level severe weather warnings should be a comparatively rare event and implies that recipients take action to protect themselves and/or their properties; this could be by moving their families out of the danger zone temporarily; by staying indoors; or by other specific actions aimed at mitigating the effects of the weather conditions,”

Letterkenny University Hospital has cancelled all outpatient and day-services appointments for today due to the weather warning. All clients will be contacted by hospital staff. People are advised to check with the hospital if they were due to have an appointment today before travelling.

All Bus Eireann services have also been cancelled all road passenger, school transport and Euroline services today due to the weather. A spokesperson for the company said they will review the situation for tomorrow later today, but have warned significant distruption is likely then too. All school transport services will remain off in accordance with their red alert policy. There will not be any Local Link or SITT transport services today.

Gardai have advised motorists and all road users to use caution on the roads, leave sufficient room between you and the car in front and drive within a speed where you can stop in time.

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