Update
Thursday, 24th – Caution is urged on Clare’s roads this morning following overnight hail and snow showers.
Motorists are warned to slow down when driving in areas of the M18 where there have been hail showers.
A Status Yellow snow and ice warning will remain in place until midday today while a Status Yellow wind warning has also been issued for Clare with very strong and gusty west to northwest winds.
The Road Safety Authority advises: “Where the track of a shower crosses a road, drivers may suddenly pass from perfectly good road conditions onto a carpet of hailstones. This has the potential to catch drivers out if they do not immediately react to the hazardous driving conditions.
The RSA has the following practical advice for drivers:
Drivers need to be on guard to the potential danger posed by hailstones.
If you encounter hailstones reduce your speed, without breaking if possible. Warn other drivers by using your hazard warning lights.
Driving slowly in a high gear will help your tyres maintain grip even as your tyres move over the compacted pellets of ice.
Accelerate and brake very gently and drive slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Avoid sudden steering movements or hard braking.
Keep an eye out for road markings that may become obscured and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front.
Cold snap to bring strong winds and snow on Wednesday night and Thursday, warnings in place for some areas ⚠️❄️
Read more in our latest Meteorologist Commentary 📰 https://t.co/Ntj1kn2WzQ#BeWinterReady pic.twitter.com/PzRDViXpN9
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 23, 2022
Following the three recent storms that affected Clare, and with further poor weather expected this week, Gardaí have issued a safety warning to motorists.
The county faces further unsettled weather this week following recent storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin.
The Clare coast will be subject to a Status Yellow snow and ice warning today and Thursday. Strong winds are also expected to affect the west coast of Clare on Thursday and again at the weekend.
Met Éireann has said: “Blustery squally showers of hail, sleet and snow with icy stretches on untreated surfaces will lead to hazardous driving conditions on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Some thunder and lightning expected too.”
Gardaí have said: “In light of the recent and continued bad weather Gardai are advising motorists to exercise caution when using our roads. Please be mindful of the more vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists and beware of fallen debris on the roads. Reduce your speed.”
“Again we want to remind landowners and anyone living along by a roadside that they have a responsibility to check that hedges or trees on their property are not causing a road safety hazard. If they are, the landowners should take the necessary steps needed to ensure road safety,” the spokesperson said.
