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Motorists on alert as three weather warnings issued

March 1st, 2016 7:48 PM

By Southern Star Team

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Motorists are being warned to take extra care on roads this evening and overnight as three weather warnings have been issued for a number of places in Ireland.

Motorists are being warned to take extra care on roads this evening and overnight as three weather warnings have been issued for a number of places in Ireland.

Met Éireann has issued an Orange Weather Warning for strong winds for counties Galway, Mayo, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford, where westerly winds veering northwest are expected to reach speeds of 65 to 75km/h with gusts of 110 to 130km/h at times overnight.

The rest of Ireland has also been put on alert with a Yellow Weather Warning signalling strong winds that will increase to speeds of 50 to 65km/h with gusts of 90 to 100km/h.

Finally, a second Yellow Weather Warning for snow-ice has been issued with heavy snow showers expected overnight leading to accumulations of 3cm in parts of Connacht, Ulster and Leinster, and larger accumulations likely on higher ground.

Conor Faughnan, Director of Consumer Affairs has the following advice: “We are reminding drivers to be mindful of other road users and ensure that they’re visible; clear snow from your headlights and roof and have on your dipped headlights. If bad weather does transpire we’re prepared for a surge in calls to our Rescue centre with Patrols on standby, but drivers can nonetheless make it easier on themselves by taking the proper precautions.”

The AA is advising motorists to adjust to imminent weather conditions and take the following precautions:

  • High sided vehicles are especially vulnerable on open or exposed roads. Be particularly mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock.
  • Allow a large gap between you and other cars and give a wide berth to vulnerable road users; cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
  • In the case of snow and ice, make sure you give yourself plenty of extra time to de-ice your car. Remember pouring hot water on the window is not a good idea as it could weaken or crack the glass
  • Clear snow from your headlights and use dipped headlights at all times.
  • Remember that stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.
  • If you find yourself skidding on an icy road, don’t brake fast. Instead, reduce acceleration but not completely and reduce your gears to come to a gradual halt.
  • Use major routes as they are more likely to be have been gritted than secondary roads.

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