LAST UPDATE | 24 Jan 2021

GARDAÍ HAVE ADVISED people to exercise “extreme caution” if making an essential journey today due to icy conditions.

A new Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning is in place around Ireland until 7pm today after an initial warning in effect until noon expired.

Met Éireann is warning of “scattered falls of sleet, snow and hail continuing for the rest of today” and “icy and hazardous conditions”.

When the snow/ice warning ends at 7pm, a Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning is due to start.

The later warning, which is valid from 7pm until 10am tomorrow, warns of weather that is “icy and very cold with lowest temperatures of -5 to -2 degrees Celsius generally, colder locally”.

Very icy conditions have been reported in many areas across the country, particularly on secondary routes and on higher ground.

“Please take care if embarking on an essential journey this morning. Reduce speed and stay safe,” a garda statement said.

AA Roadwatch said “very icy conditions” have been reported in most parts of the country today, with snow also affecting routes in some areas.

“Allow yourself more time to fully de-ice your car before making an essential journey and stick to main routes where possible as these are more likely to have been gritted.

“It can take up to 10 times longer to stop a vehicle on icy roads, so slow down, avoid harsh manoeuvres and keep well back from whoever’s in front,” a statement noted.

AA has flagged the following routes in particular:

• Galway: Extreme caution is advised around Clifden and on the N59 between there and Maam Cross after snowfall last night.
• Westmeath: Snow is affecting driving conditions on the M4 and M6 near Kinnegad, so extreme caution is advised.
• Dublin: Snow has affected eastern parts of Dublin, particularly northeastern areas including Swords, Malahide and Howth.

• Wexford: Particularly icy conditions have been reported on the N25 between Wexford Town and New Ross.
• Wicklow: Gardaí advise avoiding the Sally Gap, Wicklow Gap, and all upland areas where possible due to icy conditions.
• Waterford: Snowy conditions are affecting the city and eastern parts of the county at the moment.
• Kerry: The Conor Pass is impassable due to snowfall. Use alternative routes if you must travel, but bear in mind icy conditions have been reported on the N86 on the Dingle side of Camp too. The Ballaghisheen Pass near Cahersiveen is also impassable due to snowfall. Particularly icy conditions have been reported on the N21 between Castleisland and the turnoff for Knocknagoshel and the N71 at Moll’s Gap.
• Kerry/Cork: Snow is affecting the N22 at the County Bounds between Ballyvourney and Clonkeen.

The latest road updates can be read here. 

Coast Guard warning

The Irish Coast Guard has also issued a warning due to the snow and ice.

Yesterday evening the Coast Guard responded to a call from a walker who had slipped on ice and sustained a leg injury on a trail on Howth Head in Dublin.

The rescue in Howth yesterday Fergus Cooney / Irish Coast Guard Fergus Cooney / Irish Coast Guard / Irish Coast Guard

The casualty was given medical attention and had to be stretched off the trail, which was “treacherous in parts, due to black ice”, to an NAS ambulance.

In a statement the Coast Guard said people who are exercising within their 5km limit should remain vigilant and cautious, and in an emergency contact 112 or 999.

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