Updated 15:45
Met Éireann's status yellow warning for snow and ice has been extended until Sunday, as cold weather continues across the country.
Temperatures plunged to as low as -4C in parts of the country overnight.
Met Éireann has warned that temperatures could fall as low as -6C tonight with snow accumulating on lower ground.
They say it will be bitterly cold and rather windy today with further wintry showers expected, especially on higher ground.
Too perfect. I want to pack up the whole landscape and keep it in the freezer forever â„ï¸ #sneachta pic.twitter.com/HLWp13OpPH
— leonie cornelius (@leonie_Cee) January 30, 2019
A nationwide status yellow snow-ice warning has been in effect since Tuesday, and that's now been extended from Saturday until Sunday at 12pm.
"[There will be] some snow accumulations today on high ground over Leinster, Connacht and south Ulster," forecasters say.
"Tonight there will also be some accumulations of snow on lower levels over central and southern parts of Leinster and over east Munster."
Status Yellow - Snow-ice warning for Ireland
Updated Thursday morning:
Continuing very cold until Sunday with severe frosts at night and ice on untreated surfaces.https://t.co/ozrQHtoOkt— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 31, 2019
Meterologist Joanna Donnelly this morning said the south of the country had been worst affected over the past 24 hours, compared to the north earlier in the week.
"I think the south and south-east are most likely looking at the most severe accumulations of snow," she added.
Advice for motorists
Most motorways and main routes are being gritted in the mornings to deal with the freezing weather - but local authorities are advising that not all secondary and minor roads have been treated.
Elaine O'Sullivan from AA Roadwatch had this advice for motorists earlier today.
“Keep in mind the Status Yellow snow and ice warning remains in place [...] so it is likely to remain very cold for the rest of the week with widespread frost, ice and lying snow possible,” she said.
“Remember, it does take ten times longer to stop on icy roads so remember to slow down and keep your manoeuvres gentle.”
Ballylanders Co Limerick #sneachta pic.twitter.com/0xjbxnrDjN
— Marie Lane (@Marietlane) January 30, 2019
She said drivers should make themselves aware of conditions locally before travelling.
Additional reporting by Stephen McNeice
