Severe Weather Conditions

Cork City Council have urged the public to take extra caution during the current wintry spell.

The Lough
The City Council has erected warning signs at the Lough advising people not to go onto the frozen lake. The lake can be extremely dangerous at present with varying degrees of thickness of ice in all parts, and ice liable to crack suddenly without warning.

Elderly neighbours
The City Council is asking people to check on older people in their community who may be experiencing serious difficulties as a result of the prolonged cold weather.

Local and national information available on:
http://www.met.ie/
http://www.garda.ie/
http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/
http://www.buseireann.ie/
http://www.rte.ie/

Advice for motorists
Cork City Council is advising all road users to take special care when using the roads during freezing conditions.

Motorists are advised to:
Check local and national weather forecasts before setting out on a journey.
Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
Carry a mobile phone in case you need to call for assistance. Do not use it while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make a call.
If driving in icy or snowy conditions drivers should:

Remember it takes longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly and allow extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.
To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently
Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and reduce speed.
In the event of a minor skid do the following:

If you start to skid, release the brake pedal fully and stay off the brake.
Turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator at the same time.
Avoid over correction with too much steering.