Ice warning issued as sub zero temperatures lead to challenging road conditions in Meath

Road users are being urged to take extra care when travelling as freezing temperatures take hold

Freezing temperatures are set to reach as low as minus three degrees on Thursday night, sparking forecasters to issue a Status Yellow weather warning for the midlands and much of the north east.

Road users are being advised to adopt particular care and allow extra time when travelling as wintry temperatures lead to challenging conditions on roads and footpaths.

That outlook has prompted Met Éireann to issue a Status Yellow warning for Longford, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath, 12 other counties and all of Connaught.

The warning will come into effect from 6pm this evening and remain in place until midday on Friday.

The national forecaster said that warning was being issued on the basis of what it described as “very cold temperatures” that are “expected to fall below -3 degrees in many areas”.

The Road Safety Authority has likewise advised road users to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on any journeys.

Motorists, in particular, are being urged to follow a number of advisory precautions, including:

• Clear windows and mirrors fully before you set out, use a screen scraper and de-icer fluid. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.

• In icy conditions, slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.

• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, people who cycle and motorcyclists - slow down and allow extra space when overtaking them.

Meanwhile, a similar Status Yellow warning has been issued by the UK Met Office in Northern Ireland, covering all counties aside from county Fermanagh.