A nationwide Status Yellow ice warning has been issued by Met Éireann as temperatures are forecast to plunge to as low as -4C tomorrow night, bringing a sharp frost, icy stretches and the risk of hazardous travelling conditions.
The warning will apply to all counties from 9pm on Friday until 10am on Saturday, with forecasters cautioning that icy surfaces could lead to dangerous road conditions and possible travel disruption.
Met Éireann said it will turn very cold overnight, with widespread frost and icy patches developing. Although temperatures are expected to recover somewhat over the weekend, another cold snap is forecast early next week, with overnight lows of around -3C on Monday.
Overall, conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with frosty nights, scattered showers and spells of longer-lasting rain in the days ahead. Some areas may also see wintry falls.
With icy conditions set to grip the country, drivers are being advised to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
Conor Faughnan, Independent Motoring Expert at Carzone, stressed that driver behaviour is critical in winter weather.
“The most important safety feature in weather like this is the driver,” he said. “You absolutely must slow down, use gentle steering and braking, and stay well back from the car in front. Braking distances in particular are much longer in these conditions so it’s crucial to slow down.”
Slow down and stay alert
Drivers should reduce speed, avoid harsh acceleration or braking, and use higher gears where possible to reduce wheel spin. Lower gears are recommended when travelling downhill. Non-essential journeys should be reconsidered during severe conditions.
Watch for black ice
Nearly invisible and often appearing as a glossy sheen on the road, black ice is particularly common on bridges, shaded areas and untreated surfaces. Motorists are advised to avoid sudden steering or braking. If a vehicle begins to skid, steering gently in the direction of the slide can help regain control.
Brake earlier and allow extra space
Stopping distances can be significantly longer on icy roads. Smooth, progressive braking is far more effective than sudden pressure on the pedal.
