All Areas At Risk Of Snow And Ice In Coming Days

By Justin Kelly

Met Éireann has issued two status yellow weather warnings for the whole country, with wet and wintry conditions prevailing over the coming days.

A snow and ice warning came into effect at 6am this morning with Met Éireann expecting “wintry showers to bring snow accumulations of up to 3cm at lower levels during today and Thursday.” The warning puts “all areas at risk,” although most of the snowfall is expected in the north and west of the country.

The second status yellow warning relates to high winds that have been forecast for the whole country, with gusts reaching up to 110km/h in some areas. AA Roadwatch have joined the warning, telling motorists to expect “excess surface water and possible fallen debris from the windy conditions.”

The remainder of the week is forecast to remain cold with night time temperatures dipping as low as -3 or -4 degrees, while daytime temperatures will rarely rise above 5 degrees. As the temperatures plummet over the coming days, the possibility of more snowfall is prevalent in all areas.

Following the adverse weather warning, the Road Safety Authority have been urging motorists and pedestrians to remain cautious: “The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads as showers in the coming days will turn wintry in the north and west, with a risk of icy patches in all areas,” a statement on their website read.

The RSA gave the following advice:

Check local and National weather forecasts before setting out on a journey. Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.  Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.

·         Remove ALL snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.

·         In snow and icy conditions, manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.

·         Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and decrease speed smoothly.

·         To prevent windscreen wipers from freezing and seizing up in freezing fog, add anti-freeze screen washer to the water tank. Check that the wipers for wear and tear and replace them if they are.

·         Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front (Target Fixing). This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy fog, turn off your radio and let down your driver’s window a fraction, so as you can hear other traffic.

·         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. It can occur especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.

Pedestrians and cyclists are advised as follows:

·         While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your vehicle, DO NOT underestimate the danger of ice.

·         Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, on the path or while getting out of the car. It is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice, always use extreme caution.