Status orange low temperature ice warning

Met Éireann has issued a status orange low temperature/ice warning for County Cavan effective from 6pm on Thursday, 15th December until 12noon on Friday, 16th December. It will be extremely cold, with temperatures below -5 degrees, leading to severe frost and ice. Patches of freezing fog will lead to hazardous driving conditions in places also.

Possible impacts include:

• Treacherous conditions on paths and roads
• Travel disruption
• Potential supply disruption
• Potential for burst water pipes and damage to engines
• Increased risks to vulnerable members of the community
• Animal welfare issues
• Slack winds over land leading to reduced wind power generation

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to prepare for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths.

After the recent prolonged spell of mild weather road users are being advised not to get caught out by a drop in temperatures. They should expect icy roads and be extra cautious on untreated road surfaces.

Road users should also watch out for black ice. If the road looks polished or glossy it could be black ice, one of winter's worst hazards. Black Ice is difficult to see: it is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. The sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls are prone to black ice.

Salting

The Council's severe weather team will monitor conditions and priority routes will be salted as appropriate and as resources allow. Please note, salting is a measure designed to reduce the risk of accidents and does not guarantee normal driving conditions or that 'normal' speeds may be achieved. Icy patches may persist on treated roads. To view the current Cavan County Council priority salting routes, see www.cavancoco.ie/salting.

Icy conditions

  • 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.

Sleet and snow

There is also a risk of sleet and snow in parts of the north and west of the country. Drivers in these conditions are advised to:

  • Remove all snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
  • In snow and icy conditions, slow down. Use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
  • In snow or sleet conditions, visibility will be reduced. Do not drive on the taillights of the vehicle in front. In heavy snow, use your fog lights, turn off your radio and open your window, so you can hear other traffic, especially at junctions.

Advice for pedestrians and cyclists

  • While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, DO NOT underestimate the dangers of frost and ice.
  • Each winter slips and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk.
  • Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door on the doorstep, on the path or while getting out of the car.
  • If you are out walking in icy conditions wear appropriate footwear.
  • Visibility is reduced in hail, sleet, or snow so at night wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch and if you cycle make sure your bike is fitted with lights front and rear.

For advice on severe weather driving tips and weather updates, please see severe weather advice on or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

See advice on driving in the RSA's series of Severe Weather Warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion.

Be Winter Ready

The Be Winter Ready booklet is prepared by Office of Emergency Planning on behalf of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, and contains important information which allows households to be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help should it be needed.

For more information, visit gov.ie/winterready