Storm Emma has brought heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions to many parts of the country overnight.
A status red warning remains in place for Clare and the rest of Munster as well as Galway and Leinster, with sub-zero temperatures and significant snow accumulations expected.
But the blizzard conditions have passed and the public safety advice to shelter indoors has been withdrawn.
Conditions will remain very difficult, and high levels of snow are reported in areas including Miltown Malbay this morning.
People are advised continue to exercise high levels of caution for their own safety.
Met Eireann forecaster John Eagleton explains how the storm will develop this morning:
Clare County Council’s fleet of salt spreader trucks is treating National and Non-National Routes this morning.
Transport networks however will remain at a standstill today.
All Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services are suspended.
While, no flights will operate to or from Shannon, Dublin and Knock airports.
In Clare, there are no reports of any impassable roads at this stage, but care is needed by anyone who is heading out this morning.
Clare FM’s Gavin Grace is in Ennis Town Centre.
Thousands of homes nationwide have been left without water and electricity this morning.
The storm has led to burst mains and boil notices in numerous areas, particularly in Galway and Wicklow.
While Leinster has been worst effected by electricity outages.
The ESB has asked customers to check if their fault has already been reported on powercheck.ie before they call.
So far no such issues have been reported in Clare
The Defence Forces have been helping HSE staff to get to work and visit house-bound patients over the last few days.
250 Army personnel have already been deployed – and they’ll continue providing assistance in the aftermath of the storm.
Commandant Pat O’Connor says they’re glad to help:
An assessment will be carried out later to prioritise response efforts to Storm Emma once it passes.
The country has been in lockdown since 4pm yesterday, as stormy conditions sweep across the country.
The public are being thanked for heeding warnings in relation to the severe weather.
Sean Hogan is the Chair of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group:
