Update:
The temperature at Met Éireann’s Automatic Climate Station near Tulla at 9.00am today (Tuesday) had dropped to -5C.
Monday, 2.55pm – Met Éireann has issued a new Status Yellow ice warning for Ireland.
One warning expired at midday today while another will come into effect at 4.00pm (Monday). The warning will remain in place until midday Tuesday.
Met Éireann is warning of “icy stretches leading to hazardous travelling conditions, especially on untreated roads and paths. Wintry showers in the northwest and southwest. Accumulations possible, especially in mountainous areas, leading to disruption.”
Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory for Ireland also outlining how it will “turn cold across the country between Sunday evening and Thursday morning as an Arctic airflow becomes established, bringing sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches on roads and footpaths. Some showers of hail, sleet and snow are expected with the potential for freezing fog. Further updates to the advisory and warnings are expected in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the temperature dipped to -2.8C at Met Éireann’s Automatic Climate Station near Tulla overnight.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to prepare for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths this week as Met Eireann has issued an advisory for cold weather that will bring sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches on roads and footpaths. This will include showers of hail, sleet and snow with the potential for freezing fog.
Road users should expect icy roads and be extra cautious on untreated road surfaces. Hazardous travelling conditions are expected, especially on untreated roads and footpaths.
Road users should also watch out for black ice. If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, “black ice” one of winter’s worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see. It is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. The sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls are prone to black ice.
The advice for drivers to deal with icy road conditions is:
- Clear your windows and mirrors of any ice, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
- Remember it takes longer to stop in icy conditions. Manoeuvre gently, slow down and increase your braking distance or ‘safe space’ by leaving an extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Avoid too much steering, harsh braking, and acceleration.
- Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
- Check tyres and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check they’re inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
- Familiarise yourself with any safety assist technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) in your vehicle.
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space when overtaking them.
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow – Ice warning for Ireland, advising motorists of hazardous driving conditions.
The warning remain in place until midday on Monday.
The weather service is warning that “icy stretches are likely on Sunday night and Monday morning. Hazardous travelling conditions are expected, especially on untreated roads and footpaths. Some patches of freezing fog are also possible.”
Several incidents occurred on Clare’s road network on Saturday resulting in a number of people being hospitalised. Three incidents occurred on the M18 motorway between junctions 10 and 17 yesterday all of which are believed to have occurred following or during heavy downpours of hail.
Gardaí in Clare are also advising motorist to continue to exercise caution on roads with current weather conditions.
For winter weather preparation advice click here.
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