The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to prepare for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths as Met Eireann has issued a warning for low temperatures and ice from tonight (Wednesday, December 7).

This will include low single figures by day and sharp or severe frosts and icy patches at night from Wednesday and into the weekend for the whole island of Ireland.

There is also a risk of hailstones and snow in some parts of the country.

The Status Yellow weather warning will come into effect on Thursday (December 8) at 10:00p.m, and remain in place until 10:00a.m on Friday (December 9).

After the recent prolonged spell of mild weather, road users are being advised not to get caught out by a drop in temperatures. The RSA has warned to expect icy roads and be extra cautious on untreated road surfaces.

Road users should also watch out for black ice. If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, 'black ice', one of winter's worst hazards as black Ice is difficult to see.

It is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. The sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls are prone to black ice.

The advice for drivers to deal with icy road conditions is:

Met Eireann is also warning of a risk of hailstone showers, especially in the west and northern parts of the country.

According to the RSA, the difficulty with hail showers is their unpredictability and localised nature. As a hail shower tracks across the country it deposits a narrow band of ball bearing-sized hailstones on the ground. 

The RSA has the following advice for drivers who encounter hailstones:

There is also a risk of sleet and snow in parts of the north and west of the country. Drivers in these conditions are advised to:

The changing weather conditions will also pose some challenges for pedestrians and cyclists.

The advice for these road users in icy conditions is as follows.