ALERT: Weather forecaster warns of 'significant and disruptive snowfall' for Ireland over the weekend

A leading weather forecaster has warned of 'significant and disruptive snowfall' for Ireland over the weekend. 

In a post on his social media channels this morning, Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has warned that snowfall totals in some areas could be between 20 and 30 centimetres adding that there could be significant disruption in some areas with the possibility that some isolated communities could be cut off. 

The full post on Ireland's Weather Channel with accompanying map states: 

"Having carefully reviewed the overnight suite of weather models and using our experience forecasting severe winter weather, Irelands Weather Channel is issuing a Status Red Snowfall warning across much of inland Munster, the Midlands and parts of Wicklow, with a Status Orange Snowfall warning through the Midwest, parts of Leinster and other inland areas of Munster.

"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. 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.

"Snowfall totals in the areas under a Status Red Snowfall warning could see between 20-30cm of snow, areas under the Status Orange weather warning could see between 5-15cm of snow, with areas in the Status Yellow Snowfall warning could see between 2-5cm of snow falling over the weekend period. Some coastal areas of the south and east may escape without snow as temperatures will be warmer here.

"Some significant disruption is likely across the country with the following impacts possible in some areas.

- Disruption to transport services (road and rail)
- Disruption to power and telecommunications
- Fallen trees due to the weight of the snow
- Some isolated communities may be cut off

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