As the snow turns to rain, the first of the flood warnings are coming in
Coastal areas will likely be the worst affected.
As the worst of Storm Emma and the Beast From The East has passed up by, that snowfall is turning to rain over the next days.
That will lead to the current build-up of snow across the country to melt, which will in turn lead to flooding.
1/2 Cold today, with ice and lying snow in many areas and with some further small accumulations of snow in places. But over south Leinster and south Munster, the snow will turn to sleet and then rain later this morning. pic.twitter.com/EyG9snpzAt
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 3, 2018
2/2 The rain will spread northwards this afternoon and this will lead to some snow melt, with a risk of localised flooding later. Temps close to freezing over Ulster, but rising to 3 to 6°C elsewhere. Easterly winds will be moderate to fresh, but still strong along the east coast
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 3, 2018
Gerard O'Flynn of the Irish Coast Guard told Newstalk: "Please heed the warnings and be mindful of the risk posed by a surge in river levels following the expected thaw and be mindful of the risks on exposed coastal areas."
Additionally, the freezing rain will lead to a lot more black ice forming on roads, and drivers are warned not to take on an unnecessary journeys.
Beware of black ice. This occurs in shaded areas, under trees/bridges. Black Ice is a glossy surface & can cause a vehicle to skid. Avoid getting into a skid by slowing down; do not brake, ease your foot off the accelerator and use every control very delicately. #BeastFromTheEast pic.twitter.com/8fYr0HLfrl
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) March 1, 2018
