Met Éireann issue weather warning for 23 counties as big freeze approaches

Here comes winter.

Met Éireann have issued a Status Yellow Low Temperature/Ice weather warning for 23 Irish counties as a big freeze approaches the country this week. In place from 6pm on Thursday, November 30, until 12am on Friday, the Temperature/Ice warning covers Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and the whole of Connacht. The warning describes conditions as "very cold with temperatures expected to fall below -3 degrees in many areas. Frost and ice developing will cause hazardous travelling conditions."

With air temperatures expected to fall below -3°C in many areas, a low temperature & ice warning has been issued ?

List of counties here ?https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS ❄️Frost & ice developing ?Hazardous travelling conditions ⏲️Valid: 18:00 Thursday 30/11 - 12:00 Friday 01/12 pic.twitter.com/fO4eBk4AVd — Met Éireann (@MetEireann) November 29, 2023

Met Éireann issue icy weather warning for most of Ireland

The UK Met Office have also issued an Ice warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone and Derry as they are set to experience "icy patches that may cause difficult driving conditions overnight Wednesday into Thursday." That warning is valid from 5pm on Wednesday until 7am on Thursday. The Road Safety Authority have also issued a warning for drivers ahead of the ice warning. In a statement to JOE, a spokesperson for the RSA issued the following advice to drivers: "Clear windows and mirrors fully before you set out, use a screen scraper and de-icer fluid. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass. "In icy conditions, slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.

"Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, people who cycle and motorcyclists - slow down and allow extra space when overtaking them."

Pedestrians are also advised to wear appropriate footwear and stay on the footpath. "Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths," the RSA added.

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