A yellow weather warning is now in place for low temperatures and ice with a bitterly cold night expected in Ireland.
Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as -5C and could go even lower in certain parts of the country. In Dublin Met Eireann is warning of freezing averages of -1C to -3C.
Weather Alerts Ireland is also warning of black ice which can be hidden to the naked eye and is dangerously slippy. Exposed areas are particularly vulnerable to such conditions.
Read more: Road alert issued for 'severe ice, hailstones, freezing fog and snow'
They said: "A very cold night tonight with temperatures well below freezing around the country. The ECMWF model is forecasting temperatures widely down to -3 or -4 degrees. In some exposed areas temperatures could drop to -7 or even -8 or 9 degrees! Black ice is expected in many areas so please take care!"
Met Eireann said: "Tonight will be very cold with a widespread severe frost, patches of mist and fog and icy stretches. Showery outbreaks of sleet and snow will affect parts of the north, northwest and southwest with some snowfall accumulations possible, especially on high ground. Dry elsewhere with clear spells. Lowest temperatures of -5 to -1 degrees, locally lower."
Hazardous travelling conditions are expected, especially on untreated roads and footpaths. The RSA 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.
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