Advice issued for Waterford motorists as hazardous conditions ...
Senior Roads Engineer at Waterford City and County Council is advising motorists to travel on national and secondary roads as hazardous weather conditions are expected from tonight.
The engineer said at the Comeragh District meeting today, November 20, that those roads will be prioritized for gritting.
He said the incoming weather is “complex” and asked the public to heed weather warnings from Met Éireann.
“I am advising drivers to drive with extreme caution,” said Mr Hynes.
A list of priorities can be found on the council's website.
Waterford City and County Council say they have activated its severe weather plan and ground crews will attend to the Priority One (P1) and Priority Two (P2) road network.
Gritting will be undertaken as required on these P1 and P2 roads for the duration of the cold weather advisory warning.
Crews will only salt Priority Three (P3) roads as and when resources allow, and during normal working hours.
A map of winter maintenance routes can be found at https://bit.ly/WaterfordGrittingRoutes
ORANGE
The engineer's comments came as Met Éireann issued a 'Status Orange Snow and Ice' warning for the county.
The warning will be in place from 9pm tonight to midday on Thursday, November 21.
Waterford City and County Council expect all roads will be dangerous for drivers, with some becoming impassable.
In a statement Mr Hynes said:
“We would advise all motorists to exercise caution on their journeys, reduce speed and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, as travelling conditions will potentially be hazardous with widespread frost and icy stretches.
“Please allow extra time for any journey and be conscious of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.”
OTHER ADVICE
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team will continue to monitor the situation and is advising members of the public that:
• Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions
• Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey
• Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice
• Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours
• Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
• The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather
• People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
Emergency contact numbers are as follows:
Emergency 999/112 Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278 ESB Networks 1800 372 999 Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
