GARDAÍ ARE URGING drivers on the M1 to exercise extreme caution this morning.

Icy roads have been causing driving difficulties across the northeast and the midlands.

And gardaí are still working to clear a truck that overturned between Junction 18 for Carlingford and Junction 17 for Dundalk.

Another three crashes between Junction 20 and Junction 15 were cleared earlier this morning, a spokesperson for AA Roadwatch said.

Gritters are now out on duty in the area.

In Meath, there’s black ice reported around Navan, and on the Kells/Athboy Road and the Slane/Drogheda Road.

In Leitrim, the Ballinamore to Dromod Road between Mohill and Dromod is impassable due to ice, and has been closed.

There are also reports of black ice between Cavan and Monaghan towns.

Drivers in the area shouldn’t expect too much respite from the weather later.

According to Met Éireann, there’ll be scattered showers of rain, hail or sleet later.

The showers will be mainly over the north and west of the country, with only scattered outbreaks elsewhere.

It will be staying cold, with top temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees.

A very cold night ahead too, with freezing fog in some areas. 

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