29/11/2010

'Exceptional Cold' Will Continue Through Week

The "exceptionally cold weather" is expected to continue through the week, according to a weather warning issued by Met Eireann this morning.

The Irish weather agency said night-time temperatures would drop as low as -10ºC, and possibly lower, while daytime maximum temperatures are expected to stay within zero and 4ºC.

There are also further snow showers will occur with a high risk of significant accumulations in the east.

Meanwhile, according to AA Road Watch this morning, road temperatures remain as low as -8.7°C on the N81 at Baltinglass, -6.5°C on the N24 at Clonmel Relief Rd and on the -6.9°C at Pallas Grean and -5.5°C on the N11 Arklow Bypass.

Drivers are being advised to allow additional time before leaving to defrost their cars and to take extra time to get to destinations slowly and safely.

"Gentle maneuvers are the key to safe driving. Double your braking distance and allow plenty of space between you and other road users. Be mindful of pedestrians crossing the road and of cyclists.

"Stick to the main roads which are more likely to have been treated. Additional care is required on secondary roads, rural routes, hills and in housing estates."

In Leinster and Wexford, Gardai are advising motorists not to travel unless it is necessary. Conditions are extremely icy in Gorey and on Main St as well as the N11 Gorey bypass.

AA Road Watch also asked drivers to avoid driving on higher ground and mountainous areas, while in County Wicklow the Sally Gap & Wicklow Gap are impassable.

(DW)

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