Freeze could plummet to -5˚C
Temperatures are set to plunge further tomorrow night and in the coming days, to a bone-chattering -5˚C, with sleet and snow forecast until the weekend at least.
It has led authorities and emergency services to urge caution regarding hazardous conditions on roads and paths.
Some areas across the county today awoke to accumulations of around two centimetres of snow, particularly in the east of the county.
Gardaí in Bailieborough were called to deal with a number of material damage traffic collisions caused by icy conditions.
According to Met Éireann, the weather is set to get progressively colder over the coming days – with daytime temperatures as low as 1˚C.
The national weather forecaster issued a fresh status yellow snow and ice warning for Cavan and Monaghan, along with Louth, Westmeath, Meath. This will remain in place until 6pm tomorrow evening, February 10. Wednesday night will see lowest temperatures of -4˚C with frost and ice forming.
On Thursday the prediction is that snow could lead to hazardous conditions, and sleet and snow leading to further accumulations. This is expected to continue into the weekend.
Cavan County Council meanwhile says it is continuing to monitor the developing weather situation, liaising with the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management’s Crisis Management Team.
“Sufficient stocks of salt are available to cope with this current cold spell, and our winter maintenance teams, fire service and civil defence crews are on call 24 hours a day,” said a spokesperson.
“As is the norm during severe weather, our duty engineers will monitor weather patterns and road temperatures, and schedule treatments of priority routes on the road network throughout.”
Approximately 500km of Cavan’s 3,000km road network are salted in a single treatment, with between 65 and 80 tonnes of salt deposited on each run.
Cavan County Council is urging all road users to take care on all routes and to check with elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are prepared.
The freephone Community Call Helpline is there to assist - 1800 300 404 - or email covidsupport@cavancoco.ie