Midlands weather forecaster expects 'significant' and 'disruptive' snow this weekend

Ireland is likely to see significant accumulations of snow tomorrow (Saturday) evening and into Sunday, an Offaly weather forecaster has predicted.

Rhode native Cathal Nolan, of the 'Ireland's Weather Channel' Facebook page, reviewed the latest weather models this morning and concluded that the potential for snowfall is likely to be in the 'status red' category for inland Munster and southern parts of the Midlands, while other areas of the Midlands will see snowfall in the more moderate 'orange warning' range.

"A deepening area of low pressure to the southwest of Ireland will track slowly across the country as we go through tomorrow afternoon and evening and through much of the weekend," stated Cathal.

"Frontal precipitation on its northern flank will fall as snow, with significant and disruptive snowfall totals likely in some areas with some blowing and drifting snow possible also, especially on higher ground."

He said the worst affected areas of the Midlands and south could see between 20-30cm of snow, while between 5 and 15 centimetres of snow would be seen elsewhere in the region.

Cathal is predicting that there will be transport disruption on roads and rail services, and that this could be significant in certain areas.

He is also predicting that power and communications could be affected, and that the weight of the snow could cause some trees to topple.

"We will continue to keep you updated here at Ireland's Weather Channel over the coming hours as we narrow in on what has the potential to be a disruptive snow storm," he stated.

At present, Met Éireann has a yellow level snow and ice warning in place for counties Offaly, Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon. This is coming into effect at 5pm on Saturday and will remain in effect for 24 hours.

A status orange snow and ice warning has so far been issued for six counties: Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.