Status Yellow - Low Temperature-Ice Warning

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow low temperature / ice warning for Ireland from 8pm on Thursday, 21 November until 12noon on Friday, 22 November.

Very cold temperatures are forecast with widespread frost and icy stretches.

Salting

Local authority salting crews are mobilised, and will be treating priority routes this evening. However, salting is not a guarantee that 'normal' speeds can be achieved, and caution should be exercised at all times on all roads, regardless of whether they've been treated, and all motorists should reduce speed accordingly. 

Advice for motorists in 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.

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.

Check out the videos below from the RSA's series of videos created in collaboration with RTÉ's Teresa Mannion for information on driving in severe weather conditions.

Driving in snow
Driving in icy conditions

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