Updated 11.20am
MOTORISTS ARE BEING warned to take extreme care as three weather warnings have been issued by Met Éireann.
A Status Orange snow-ice warning has been issued for 13 counties: Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Galway, Roscommon and Tipperary. This warning will remain in place until 9pm today.
A Status Orange low temperature warning has also been issued for the entire country.
Met Éireann says there will be “extremely low temperatures tonight with severe frost, ice and lying snow”. This warning will kick in at 8pm and remain in place until 10am tomorrow.
Lowest temperatures will range from -2 to -8 degrees, and it’ll be coldest in east Connacht, Leinster and Ulster. Slippery paths and treacherous roads are also expected due to accumulation of snow and ice.
A Status Yellow snow-ice warning has also been issued for Wexford, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford. This warning will remain in place until 10pm today.
Warning for motorists
A statement from An Garda Síochána said: “People living in areas where an orange level weather warning has been issued should exercise extreme caution when travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys.
Drivers should be aware that it takes longer to stop a vehicle on an icy road so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
“Motorists should clear the windows and mirrors of your vehicles before you set off on your journey and carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.”
Gardaí are also advising motorists to remove all snow from vehicles before starting any journey as snow left on the roof can become loose and drop onto the windscreen and restrict vision.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, Roads Policing, said: “Please be aware that visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so drive slowly if you need to make a journey.
Allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Motorcyclists and cyclists should not compromise their safety by their ‘need’ to travel in icy or snowy conditions. Be safe.
Gardaí also advised people to pay attention to emergency services, local media and social media for updates on the status of the weather warnings.
With reporting by Órla Ryan
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