aidan1972
02-01-2008, 01:02 PM
<h1>Wrap up well -- the worst of the winter is yet to come </h1>
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TEMPERATURES are forecast to plummet tonight, with one of the coldest nights of the winter expected.
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Strong northerly winds contributed to falling temperatures yesterday, and this is expected to continue today with sleet and snow.
The conditions caused a number of ferry cancellations through yesterday, while AA Roadwatch warned motorists to beware of falling debris.
Met Eireann maintained a weather warning, forecasting a cold snap for much of the weekend. Blizzard conditions along the northern coastline are expected today with snow expected to accumulate up to 15cm on high ground.
By tonight, temperatures are expected to drop to minus 5C.
Snow
"We had some sleet and snow showers. The snow, by and large, hasn't stuck except on some of the mountains but we do expect it to stick more readily," said Gerald Fleming, a forecaster with Met Eireann.
"The areas most at risk are Ulster, Connacht and along the west coast. We expect them to go as low as minus 5C tonight and then there will be a lot of frost around."
AA Roadwatch advised motorists to drive carefully and watch out for falling debris due to strong winds.
Stormy conditions, with gusty winds and surface water, are expected to affect all road users over the coming days, especially those on high ground or exposed roads.
Tomorrow is expected to be cold but getting milder through the evening, while cloud and rain are forecast during the night.
The east of the country is set to be worst hit, with Sunday expected to be very wet. Milder weather is not expected until into next week.
Yesterday, P&O suspended some ferry services between Larne and Cairnryan while there were delays in the Dublin to Liverpool sailings.
Ferries
A number of Irish Ferries Dublin to Holyhead sailings were cancelled and the Pembroke to Rosslare route faced delays.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned motorists to be extra vigilant and issued advice for drivers in stormy conditions to watch for falling debris and strong crosswinds and allow extra distance between vehicles as well as using dipped headlights.
When driving in icy or snowy conditions, drivers should go slowly and allow extra room between vehicles, use high gears to avoid wheel spin, avoid harsh braking and acceleration, dip headlights and watch for black ice.
If there is a skid, release the brake pedal fully and stay off the brake, turning the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and easing off the accelerator.
"Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen, wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt or carry a torch," said the RSA.
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- Shane Hickey and Anita Guidera
Source (http://www.independent.ie)
<p class="info">
<div class="body">
TEMPERATURES are forecast to plummet tonight, with one of the coldest nights of the winter expected.
<newsbody></newsbody>
Strong northerly winds contributed to falling temperatures yesterday, and this is expected to continue today with sleet and snow.
The conditions caused a number of ferry cancellations through yesterday, while AA Roadwatch warned motorists to beware of falling debris.
Met Eireann maintained a weather warning, forecasting a cold snap for much of the weekend. Blizzard conditions along the northern coastline are expected today with snow expected to accumulate up to 15cm on high ground.
By tonight, temperatures are expected to drop to minus 5C.
Snow
"We had some sleet and snow showers. The snow, by and large, hasn't stuck except on some of the mountains but we do expect it to stick more readily," said Gerald Fleming, a forecaster with Met Eireann.
"The areas most at risk are Ulster, Connacht and along the west coast. We expect them to go as low as minus 5C tonight and then there will be a lot of frost around."
AA Roadwatch advised motorists to drive carefully and watch out for falling debris due to strong winds.
Stormy conditions, with gusty winds and surface water, are expected to affect all road users over the coming days, especially those on high ground or exposed roads.
Tomorrow is expected to be cold but getting milder through the evening, while cloud and rain are forecast during the night.
The east of the country is set to be worst hit, with Sunday expected to be very wet. Milder weather is not expected until into next week.
Yesterday, P&O suspended some ferry services between Larne and Cairnryan while there were delays in the Dublin to Liverpool sailings.
Ferries
A number of Irish Ferries Dublin to Holyhead sailings were cancelled and the Pembroke to Rosslare route faced delays.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned motorists to be extra vigilant and issued advice for drivers in stormy conditions to watch for falling debris and strong crosswinds and allow extra distance between vehicles as well as using dipped headlights.
When driving in icy or snowy conditions, drivers should go slowly and allow extra room between vehicles, use high gears to avoid wheel spin, avoid harsh braking and acceleration, dip headlights and watch for black ice.
If there is a skid, release the brake pedal fully and stay off the brake, turning the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and easing off the accelerator.
"Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen, wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt or carry a torch," said the RSA.
<p id="articleAuthor">
- Shane Hickey and Anita Guidera
Source (http://www.independent.ie)