MET ÉIREANN HAS issued a snow-ice warning for 20 counties and a wind warning for four counties.

The snow ice-warning is for Connacht, Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal.

It will come into place at 6pm tomorrow evening and will be valid until Saturday at 12 midday.

Meanwhile, a status yellow wind warning will be in place in Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 10pm tonight until 10am tomorrow morning.

Wind speeds will increase to between 55 and 65 km per hour, while gusts will be between 90 and 110 km/h.

Met Éireann gave the following weather advisory on the snow-ice warning:

Very cold wintry weather will develop from Wednesday night onwards.
Showers will turn wintry in many places, from Wednesday evening to Saturday, with falls of sleet and snow expected. The heaviest of the snow fall is most likely over Ulster, Connacht, north Leinster and west Munster and especially so on high ground.

Extra care 

The Road Safety Authority is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads over the next 72 hours following the weather warning. Sleet, snow and ice are also forecast from Thursday.

The RSA is asking road users to check local weather and traffic conditions and be aware of the conditions before setting out on a trip.

The RSA has issued the following advice:

• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
• Remove ALL snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey.
• In snow and icy conditions slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and decrease speed smoothly.
• Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front. This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy fog, turn off your radio and let down your driver’s window a fraction, so as you can hear other traffic.
• Watch out for “black ice.” If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, black ice” one of winter’s worst hazards.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space.
• The best thing to do in extremely bad weather is to stay off the road. Take heed of warnings not to go out and travel only if absolutely necessary.

Speaking today Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross said: “I would urge all people to heed the advice of the agencies and take all necessary precautions if out during the severe weather. If travelling I would advise that you plan your route and check local information , allow extra time, drive slowly and carefully and stay safe.”

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