Driving conditions still dangerous as more snow forecast
Commuters were today warned to slow down to cope with roads affected by black ice.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said despite a slight thaw clearing main routes of snow, some roads were said to be lethal after a re-freeze overnight.
Noel Brett, RSA spokesman, said sub-zero temperatures and freezing fog had made for the worst conditions of the big freeze so far.
Footpaths were also said to be dangerous and pedestrians were told to avoid walking on roads.
Although temperatures crept up to 5C in the south west yesterday Met Éireann warned freezing fog had affected most areas overnight and into the morning.
Met Éireann's David Rogers said a band of precipitation was moving down from the northwest today, and could bring more snow.
"The amounts (of snow) are difficult to gauge, but there probably will be some significant falls in places. Most parts of the country will see some addition to the snow that's already there during the course of the day," he said.
Temperatures could plummet as low as minus 9C tonight in parts, with the wintry showers pushing into the north west by mid-morning.
However, Met Eireann said the last of the freezing weather is due on Thursday night.
The cold weather claimed the life of an 85-year-old man who was found dead near his home outside Ballina in Co Mayo yesterday.
Gardaí believe he died after he slipped and fell on ice. He is the second pensioner believed to have died after falling in the wintry conditions.
Age Action urged people to check on elderly neighbours and relatives during the prolonged cold snap, claiming people could be running out of food, fuel and medication.
The body has teamed up with Muintir na Tire and the Society of St Vincent de Paul, to run a helpline service for older people who cannot contact anybody and who may be running short of urgent supplies.
Iarnród Éireann said it was operating a full service throughout Intercity, DART and Commuter routes except M3 Parkway to Clonsilla.
Bus Éireann said it was operating as many as routes as possible with some delays and diversions.
Gardaí warned motorists to exercise extreme caution over the coming days.
“With snow beginning to thaw and below zero temperatures, black ice and freezing fog is posing a serious challenge to the motoring public,” a statement read.
“Ice, although not as visible as snow, makes driving conditions particularly dangerous as it does not provide the same warning as snow and motorists may not be driving at an appropriately slow speed.”
Gardaí urged motorists to drive only if necessary and to be wary of pedestrians.
They also asked that people check on those living alone.
