THE Kerry Local Coordination Group met at County Buildings this morning to review preparations for the adverse weather conditions forecast for later this week.

While it looks like, at this stage, Kerry will escape the worst of the low temperatures and snowfall, the group which consists of Kerry County Council, An Garda Síochána, Kerry Civil Defence, Kerry Fire Services, and the Health Services Executive is taking no chances.

Status Orange and Yellow Snow/Ice warnings have been issued this afternoon, but Kerry is not included as a county affected so far. However, freezing temperatures are forecast and a Status Yellow low temperature warning is in place for the entire country.

The Group assessed the current weather forecast and reviewed all the preparations which are being made for the expected freezing conditions in the coming days.

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Salting of priority routes overnight will continue over the coming nights and road conditions will be closely monitored. Additional routes will be treated as required.

Drivers are advised to never assume that a route has been treated and to exercise caution when driving in freezing conditions.

Owners of vacant premises are asked to shut off their water supplies as a precaution in case of frozen pipes.

The Group also asks members of the public to look in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they have adequate heating and food supplies for a few days.

The Kerry Local Coordination Group advises members of the public to prepare now for the cold conditions. Useful advice is available from the website, www.winterready.ie.

Updates will be provided on Kerry County Council social media channels and more information will be available on its dedicated Alerts website via the Kerry County Council website.