Temperatures were below freezing for much of Tuesday in Kerry and roads in some parts were in dangerous condition yesterday. However, the unusually dry weather over Christmas prevented more icy roads and led to what was described as some of the best walking on the Kerry hills in many years. Falls of rain and sleet yesterday afternoon, however, were set to add to the dangerous conditions on roads as temperatures dropped back to freezing last night. Valentia weather station recorded ground temperatures of minus eight degrees on Tuesday evening and minus one degree air temperature - unusually low for the coast, a spokesperson said. This rose to five degrees air temperature and minus 2-1/2 degrees ground temperature yesterday but was expected to drop again last night.
Gardai and county council officials issued black-ice warnings on the N69 between Tralee and Listowel and on to Tarbert and also along the N21 between Castleisland and Abbeyfeale.
The roads between Kerry and Athea in Co Limerick were in a very dangerous condition.
Inland, the R577 Scartaglen to Boherbue road and on to Mallow was described as treacherous in parts.
Roads along the main climbing areas of Glencar and Carrauntoohil and along the Macgillycuddy Reeks were expected to worsen last night.
But "the county bounds" area between Killarney and Ballyvourney remained in good condition with what was described as the odd flurry of snow. Roads around Caherciveen were said to be patchy but yesterday's regular falls of sleet and rain meant these were expected to be treacherous today.
Around Killarney snow remained on higher ground, and gardai were last night asking people to drive with caution on inland and higher areas.
A spokesperson for Kerry Mountain Rescue, Mr Gerry Christie, said it was ideal walking weather. "The hills are packed and from a mountaineer's point of view the hills are in ideal condition - as long as you are geared up for ice." He warned climbers to carry an ice-axe and crampons or spikes for boots, if they were heading for higher ground.
"We have up to 1,000 people in Kerry over the week doing what they love. Our worst fear is that people might happen along and decide to chance climbing without the proper gear."
Simply having correct boots was not enough, walkers needed the proper ice equipment, he said. People should enjoy the hills, but a moment's inattention could be disastrous, Mr Christie said.