Gardaí issue warning to motorists to avoid driving due to impending snow and ‘ice bomb’ to hit the country tonight

Met Éireann has issued two separate status orange weather warnings for the country this weekend, with a snow and ice warning in place for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Tipperary until 11pm Sunday night.

The second status orange warning is in place across the country today as gale force winds are expected to hit the west of Ireland.

Strong gusts are been felt from Carnsore Point to Mizen Head to Loop Head and are expected to reach up to storm force 10 for some time.

Rain, sleet & snow over southern parts, moving slowing southwards this evening. Mostly clear weather elsewhere with a widespread frost.
Mostly clear tonight, showers in NW, with severe frost, ice & lying snow leading to very hazardous conditions on roads & footpaths. -2 to -8°C pic.twitter.com/eKUktMTHvx

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 10, 2017

The meteorological service warned that today’s snow will lead to slippery paths and black ice throughout today. A number of flights have been cancelled due to the inclement weather, with AA Roadwatch consistently updating motorists of routes affected.

Snow and ice affecting many routes across the country today, with weather warnings from Met Éireann: https://t.co/PSzIBsvOzE. Take note of our driving advice: pic.twitter.com/zEbBQiolPc

— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) December 10, 2017

Met Eireann forecaster Evelyn Cusack told RTE’s Morning Ireland today’s frosty conditions will move to the south of the country by this afternoon.

“Frost will be widespread by this evening. It will be bitterly cold as temperatures drop sharply everywhere this evening and tonight ranging from -2C to -8C. There will be widespread severe frost and ice with dangerous conditions on untreated surfaces tonight and throughout rush-hour tomorrow.”

According to Met Éireann’s website, Monday morning should bring warmer temperatures, with ‘treacherous conditions’ to be considered on some roads:

”Severe frost and ice on Monday morning with treacherous conditions on roads and footpaths. Frost will linger in sheltered areas for much of the day. It will be bright with sunny spells. Scattered showers of rain and sleet will affect parts of Ulster, Connacht and west Munster. Highest temperatures of 2 to 7 degrees with fresh north to northwest winds.”