HOUSEHOLDERS AND motorists have been warned to prepare for cold and wintry conditions this weekend, with temperatures plummeting to as low as minus 3 degrees overnight.
Met Éireann said conditions would become extremely cold from later today and tomorrow with widespread severe frost, leading to icy stretches on roads.
Wintry showers of sleet and snow are also forecast for the coastal counties of Leinster, Ulster and north Connacht, with accumulations of up to 5cm in some low-lying parts.
A cold air mass moving across Europe from Scandinavia was causing an unseasonable cold snap, Met Éireann forecaster Deirdre Lowe said. She warned the cold spell was expected to last for at least another seven days and would worsen significantly next week, with temperatures falling to minus 6 degrees at night.
Last night, counties across west Munster, Connacht and Ulster experienced heavy snow showers, and conditions in many parts were described as frosty and icy.
AA Roadwatch advised motorists to drive with caution and to be on the alert for black ice and freezing fog, particularly in the mornings.
“Those planning trips should ensure their car batteries are in good condition and their mobile phones are fully charged,” spokesman Ronan Gilligan said. “In situations where the weather is going to deteriorate, avoid making unnecessary journeys.”
He also urged drivers to stick to the main routes where possible as these would be treated with grit and salt first.
A number of county councils said they would have trucks gritting and salting roads throughout the weekend in their areas.
The Road Safety Authority advised motorists to be particularly mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Age Action urged people to keep in contact with their older neighbours during the cold weather.
The wintry conditions posed a real challenge to elderly people, especially those who were house-bound or living alone, spokesman Eamon Timmins said.
He advised people that maintaining “comfortable” temperatures of 18-21 degrees in the home was essential for those vulnerable to respiratory problems.
“Medical research has found that when temperatures fall below 16 degrees there is an increased risk of respiratory problems. Where it drops below 12 degrees, the blood thickens and there is an increased risk of stroke and heart attack,” Mr Timmins said.
To avoid water pipes and tanks freezing, the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) advised householders to keep their homes well-heated, leave the loft or hatch door open and insulate exposed pipes.
People planning to go away for the weekend were advised to turn off the water at the mains and drain the cold water system, or leave the heating on low.
IIF spokesman Michael Horan said: “If a pipe or tank does burst, you should turn off the mains water supply immediately and have emergency repairs carried out as soon as possible to minimise the damage.”
AGE ACTION ADVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
- Dress correctly by wearing multiple layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer
- Remain active and dont stay sitting for long periods
- Spread your chores throughout the day to ensure to keep moving
- Exercise daily but avoid ice
- Eat well and have at least one hot meal a day. Sip hot drinks. Keep a flask of hot drink by the bed, in case you wake up cold
- Stock up provisions in case there is icy weather and you cannot go out
- Seal gaps around windows and doors
- If you have not already received the winter flu vaccination from your doctor, make an appointment to do so.
AA ROADWATCH ADVICE TO MOTORISTS
- Be on the alert for black ice and freezing fog, especially in the morning
- Avoid driving on minor roads that have not been gritted
- Check your tyre pressure and ensure the vehicle has sufficient oil and anti-icing fluid
- Make sure your phone is fully charged before making a trip
- Always use your fog lights when driving in dense fog
- Do not use your high beams in fog as they reflect on the driver
- Stay mindful of pedestrians cyclists and motorcyclists.
