Ireland’s national forecaster, Met Éireann, placed six northern and north-western counties under a ten-hour Status Yellow snow-and-ice warning early on 31 December as an Arctic airstream sent temperatures plunging to –6 °C overnight. The alert covers Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Tyrone and Antrim, with forecasters warning of icy roads, sleet turning to snow on higher ground and wind-chill making conditions feel even colder.
The UK Met Office has mirrored the warning for adjoining Northern Ireland counties, highlighting cross-border risk on key freight corridors such as the A5/N2 and M1. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has mobilised gritters and advised HGV operators to review routing and driver-hours in case of overnight stoppages.
With potential rerouting across borders, travellers may need to confirm visa or passport validity at short notice. VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) allows users to check up-to-date entry requirements, obtain e-visas and arrange expedited document services—support that can save crucial time when weather forces last-minute itinerary changes.
![Met Éireann Issues Snow & Ice Warnings for Six Counties Ahead of New Year’s Eve Travel]()
Air travel managers at Dublin and Belfast airports say runways remain open but have cautioned that de-icing queues could create knock-on delays during the evening peak when many outbound holiday flights coincide with returning emigrants. Airlines are allowing free date changes for passengers booked on affected regional services.
The weather disruption follows record holiday passenger numbers and could exacerbate existing staffing shortages among ground handlers. Mobility teams with assignees transiting through regional airports such as Knock or City of Derry are urged to build flexible connections and monitor live updates.
Looking beyond New Year’s Day, Met Éireann models show a second cold front arriving on 3 January, though current runs suggest it will be drier. Even so, companies with field staff should ensure winter-driving briefings are refreshed and emergency kits are stocked.
The UK Met Office has mirrored the warning for adjoining Northern Ireland counties, highlighting cross-border risk on key freight corridors such as the A5/N2 and M1. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has mobilised gritters and advised HGV operators to review routing and driver-hours in case of overnight stoppages.
With potential rerouting across borders, travellers may need to confirm visa or passport validity at short notice. VisaHQ’s online portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) allows users to check up-to-date entry requirements, obtain e-visas and arrange expedited document services—support that can save crucial time when weather forces last-minute itinerary changes.
Air travel managers at Dublin and Belfast airports say runways remain open but have cautioned that de-icing queues could create knock-on delays during the evening peak when many outbound holiday flights coincide with returning emigrants. Airlines are allowing free date changes for passengers booked on affected regional services.
The weather disruption follows record holiday passenger numbers and could exacerbate existing staffing shortages among ground handlers. Mobility teams with assignees transiting through regional airports such as Knock or City of Derry are urged to build flexible connections and monitor live updates.
Looking beyond New Year’s Day, Met Éireann models show a second cold front arriving on 3 January, though current runs suggest it will be drier. Even so, companies with field staff should ensure winter-driving briefings are refreshed and emergency kits are stocked.
