Fermoy is coldest spot in country as temperatures plummet
As the hard freeze contines across the region, gardaí in the southern region have issued a notice to members of the public to not leave cars unattended while defrosting.
The notice follows a spate of thefts in such circumstances, where cars were left running, unattended by motorists in an effort to defrost in the harsh conditions.
“Do not leave your car unattended with engine on to defrost. A number of cars have been stolen in these circumstances during the frosty spell,” a statement from gardaí read.
This comes as Fermoy saw lows of -6 degrees overnight, according to data from the unmanned weather station located at Moorepark, one of 20 fully automatic weather stations located across the country.
Fermoy read as the coldest location in the country on Tuesday, January 16th, with the lowest temperature at Moorepark reading as -6.7 degrees celsius and the maximum being a chilly 4.2 degrees.
From Monday, locals across the region woke to wintery scenes, with heavy dustings of frost across the region with a Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning currently in effect until 12pm on Thursday.
Again this will lead to difficult travelling conditions, with issues expected for vulnerable people and animal welfare - neighbours are being urged to check in on elderly neighbours during the continued cold spell to ensure their safety.
Several reports of dangerous roads came in during the week as temperatures plummeted, as between Conna and Fermoy there was black ice that resulted in cars getting stuck in the area on Tuesday.
In the Watergrasshill, Glenville and Carrignavar area, difficulties were also reported as ice and frost struck the region and motorists were advised to drive with caution.
Precautionary gritting around Cork city and county routes starting on Monday at 14:30, 21:00 and a third gritting at 04:00 as low temperatures were expected on Monday night/Tuesday morning.
While passengers on the Local Link services in Waterford were advised that due to freezing temperatures forecast, changes may be made to services and were advised to expect delays.
Waterford City and County Council senior engineer, Gabrield Hynes, advised that council ground crews will be treating all 'Priority One and Two' roads while the cold conditions remain in place.
“Waterford City and County Council ground crews have attended to the Priority One and Two road network and gritting will continue on these Priority One and Two roads for the duration of the cold weather advisory warning. The crews are also attending to salting Priority Three roads as and when resources allow.
“Waterford City and County Council currently has ample salt stocks to treat these roads for the duration of the cold spell. With 1,500 tonnes of salt in reserve at our yards in Waterford city and Dungarvan, this meets a two-week demand of severe weather, with salt being drawn from the national depots in Cahir and Bellview as required to maintain this two-week supply,” Mr Hynes said.
Mr Hynes urged motorists to exercise caution on their journeys.
“We would advise motorists to reduce speed and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, as there is the risk of black ice and frost on the roads.
“Please allow extra time for any journey and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”
In Fermoy and surrounds, colder temperatures are expected to continue as lows of around -6 degrees celsius are expected on Friday, with weather set to warm up somewhat during the day.
Wetter weather is expected over the weekend as temperatures are expected toreach around 9 degrees celsius on Saturay and 11 degrees on Sunday.
Lismore, however, is expected to warm up somewhat quicker, with Friday to see lows of -4 degrees and highs of around 6. Saturday and Sunday in the heritage town will also bring rain to the region, with temperatures reaching a balmy 8 degrees celsius on Saturday and 11 degrees on Sunday.