‘Hazardous roads’ warning as temperatures to drop to -8°C

Gardaí have warned of hazardous road conditions tonight and into tomorrow, as temperatures drop as low as -8°C in Galway.

Part of the M6 motorway remains closed this evening while emergency services deal with a collision.

Met Éireann have a nationwide Status Orange warning in place for low temperatures from 8pm tonight (Sunday) until 10am tomorrow, which will range from -2°C to -8°C.

They have warned to expect slippery paths and treacherous road conditions due to snow accumulation and ice.

Gardaí have also said road conditions will be hazardous, with frozen snow and ice on roads and paths, with untreated surfaces being particularly dangerous.

Galway City Council said their crews will be salting roads again this evening.

“With the combination of snow, wet surfaces, and freezing temperatures, driving conditions will be poor and the pubic are advised not to make any unnecessary journeys,” a Council spokesperson said.

According to the AA this evening, the M6 Galway/Dublin motorway is closed eastbound between J16 Loughrea and J15 Ballinasloe East while emergency services deal with a collision.

“Conditions are treacherous in the area so take extra care and slow down. The Toll Plaza on the M6 Galway/Dublin Rd near J15 Ballinasloe is down to two lanes in both directions due to poor road conditions. Traffic is moving approaching the plaza but there are reports of slushy conditions.

“The Loughrea/Ballinasloe Rd (R446) is still impassable in places due to snow and icy road conditions. Gardaí advise to use an alternative route. There are also still reports of poor conditions in the Portumna area,” the AA report.