Athlone to escape worst of weather

While much of the country is covered in snow, it seems Athlone will escape the worst of the weather.

The east coast may be suffering, with ten minor crashes reported on the M4 this morning between Leixlip and Enfield on both sides of the road, but so far Athlone has escaped the worst of it and this is expected to be the case for the remainder of the week.

Met Eireann has said that Athlone will get the worst of its weather today (Monday) with conditions set to improve as the week goes on. While the area has mostly escaped the snow, there could be some showers of snow and sleet today, but this will turn to rain as the week progresses. Winds will also ease and become more northerly.

Met Eireann said there are snow showers in many areas surrounding Athlone, with snow falling in the west of the country, in the east and as far north as Cavan/Monaghan and it is simply luck that has seen the Athlone area escape the worst of it.

AA Roadwatch has reminded drivers that stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow and advised motorists to slow down and to give themselves more time to reach their destination.