A front pushed northwards on 20 March 2001 into the cold air over the British Isles producing blizzards for some in the UK. It was too mild for much of Ireland and it was a very marginal situation as to be expected with the majority of frontal events. This brought rain to much of Ireland, not all that heavy in most places mind you, Rosslare had 19mm on the 21st. Ahead of the rain, temperatures were between 4-7°C but behind it, up to 12 or 13°C over Ireland. The rain turned to snow and sleet in localised areas particularly those over high ground in Wicklow and the midlands.
From the BBC:
Heavy snow and bitterly cold winds blasting across England and Wales are creating atrocious conditions for drivers. The blizzards which hit southern Wales on Tuesday morning - the first day of spring - are spreading to many other parts of Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Drivers, particularly on the M4, are being warned to take extra care in the evening rush hour. Heavy snow has been causing havoc in south Wales, with colleges in both Cardiff and Newport closing early and scrapping evening classes. At least one comprehensive school has shut.
Workers have also been sent home from the Ebbw Vale steelworks as conditions on the roads deteriorate. Forecasters say up to 15 centimetres of snow are expected in southern England and winds will gust up to gale force. While temperatures hover around 3°C, they will feel much colder due to the bitter winds. Wind chill was sending temperatures in Brighton and Cardiff plummeting to -9°C and -10°C on Tuesday morning. Some roads are impassable in Devon, where around four inches of snow have fallen in the worst affected areas.
Abandoned cars
Gritters and a snow plough have been trying to clear blocked roads near Exmoor where some drivers have had to abandon their cars. Further south on the M% between Taunton and Exeter, high winds, reduced visibility and slush on the roads has left emergency services tackling accidents in both directions. The snow line is expected move north across the UK overnight, crossing a band from Northern Ireland to the south east. Behind it, temperatures in the south will rise and rain will replace snow and sleet. But the wintry weather is not expected to ease for at least 24 hours, possibly 48, forecasters have warned.
Ferries cancelled
"It is atrocious weather and pretty unseasonable," said BBC weather presenter Victoria Graham. "It's been a long time since we've seen blizzards at this time of year, particularly so far south." Rough seas caused Irish Ferries to cancel its Swift catamaran services between Holyhead and Dublin. It planned to continue a normal service on its conventional ferries. There have been no reports of deteriorating weather conditions causing problems on trains services.
Spring in Scotland
By contrast to other parts of the UK, Scotland and northern England - areas hit by last month's blizzards - are enjoying a dry and sunny period. In February and early March snow closed many roads in Scotland and northern England.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/1231221.stm
The Park, Nottingham, blanketed in snow on March 21st 2001:
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