ICY CONDITIONS:GARDAÍ IN Cork were urging people not to travel last night as temperatures began falling to -3 degrees and below, with freezing fog adding to difficult driving conditions in some parts of the county, particularly on higher grounds.
Yesterday was dry in Cork city and county, which meant roads were not as bad as they had been during the freeze just before Christmas. Some roads were still perilous where run-off from fields had frozen on the road surface.
Gardaí in Cork city urged motorists to drive with caution, while gardaí in Fermoy reported particularly icy conditions on the N8 Cork-Dublin Road at Watergrasshill as well as around Midleton and Whitegate in east Cork.
Gardaí in Mallow said most road s were passable, but Kanturk gardaí warned of freezing fog. Bandon gardaí said most main roads in west Cork were passable, but urged people to drive with extreme caution and if possible, not to travel at all.
A major clean-up was continuing in Skibbereen yesterday after flash flooding on Wednesday, when up to three feet of water flooded some premises on Townshend Street and Market Street.
In the west, icy conditions over the past week have resulted in some minor incidents on roads, but air, train and bus services were running – with some delays. One flight was cancelled at Galway airport yesterday morning.
Iarnród Éireann said mainline trains were not affected, but it advised commuters to book in advance online where possible due to very heavy demand.
AA Roadwatch advised caution on the new M6 motorway due to freezing slush on hard shoulders. The old N6 at Loughrea was reported to be icy, with black ice on many routes in the county.
Age Action has appealed to people to watch out for elderly neighbours who may be unable to leave their homes for food or fuel.
The Irish Coast Guard has reiterated its warning of “very high” spring tides over the next five days which may have an impact on exposed coastal areas and already swollen river systems.
The highest astronomical tides will affect the entire coastline, but their effect will be influenced by wind direction and speed, Irish Coast Guard director Chris Reynolds said. “Highest tides are on the afternoons of January 2nd, 3rd and 4th. If winds ease, most areas may be protected,” he said.
Mr Reynolds said parents should “keep a sharp eye on young children” due to the weather, including ice in certain areas. Anglers and swimmers should be aware that currents will be much stronger, due to the tidal height.
Eastern ports are most vulnerable to northeasterly winds, forecast for today. Galway harbourmaster Capt Brian Sheridan said his port would be less exposed if the wind remained northerly.
A father and son rang in the new year by climbing Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo in -10 degrees. Andrew Marsden, an experienced climber, teaches applied mathematics at St Jarlath’s College in Tuam. He and his son Conor (12) encountered few problems.
Freezing conditions in Kerry saw the Conor Pass between Dingle and Tralee closed yesterday. The north of the county, along the Limerick border, was severely affected, as was the area east of Killarney. Upland areas were fogbound for most of the day.