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05th Feb 2018

Entire country on alert as Met Éireann issues latest snow-ice weather warning

Conor Heneghan

Snow

There’s a chance of snow pretty much everywhere in Ireland on Tuesday, even if there won’t be a whole lot of it.

After issuing a status yellow weather warning for 18 counties on Monday morning, Met Éireann has now included the entire country in its latest snow-ice warning, issued on Monday afternoon.

Snow showers will lead to accumulations of less than 3cm all over Ireland on Tuesday, with the north and west of the country likely to be most affected.

Issued at midday on Monday, the warning comes into effect at 4am on Tuesday and will remain in effect until just before midnight on Tuesday night.

Before that weather warning kicks in, another status yellow snow-ice warning for 18 counties, including the entire province of Leinster, will come into effect at 6pm on Monday, so half the country can expect to see at least some snow on Monday evening.

Although the snow forecast is on the light side, snow showers combined with low temperatures are likely to lead to slippery roads and paths due to the accumulation of ice on untreated surfaces.

With those conditions in mind, An Garda Síochána is asking road users to check local weather and traffic conditions and be aware of the conditions before setting out on a trip.

An Garda Síochána is also advising motorists to take the following steps before and during their journey.

During your journey

  • Drivers should reduce speed and increase braking distances.
  • Use dipped headlights at all times to ensure you are seen by other motorists.
  • Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space.
  • Cyclists and motorcyclists check local road conditions and consider alternative transport where necessary.
  • Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not on the street. Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths

Before commencing your 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.
  • Do not leave your car with the engine running and unattended. (A number of car thefts occur every frosty morning).