LAST UPDATE | 31 Jan 2019

MOTORISTS AROUND IRELAND are being urged to take extra care today as Met Éireann’s status yellow weather warning continues after parts of the country experienced heavy snowfall.

A status yellow snow-ice warning has been issued and will be valid until Sunday at midday. 

Today will be “bitterly cold” and windy, Met Éireann has said, with frosty nights and widespread icy conditions expected for the rest of the week.

Rain is forecast in the west and southwest and will gradually move up into other areas, turning heavy and persistent, especially in southern counties.

Some snow accumulations are expected today on high ground over Leinster, Connacht and south Ulster. 

Highest temperatures today are expected between 2 and 7 degrees. Temperatures last night dropped as low as -5.8 degrees. 

Accumulations of snow are also expected on lower levels over central and southern parts of Leinster and over east Munster. 

Frosty and icy conditions are expected tonight leading to “treacherous conditions”.

Tomorrow is set to be a dry, bright day with a northerly breeze. Temperatures are expected to drop to as low as -6 degrees in parts of the country tonight. 

Met Éireann has said it will continue to be very cold until Sunday, with severe frosts at night and ice on untreated surfaces. 

Meanwhile, AA Roadwatch has advised motorists to take care today, with wet conditions reported this morning in Cork City, Waterford City and Tralee.

Icy conditions have also been reported on secondary routes around Thurles and Letterkenny. 

Motorists are advised that the Old Military Rd (R115) remains closed between Glencree and Sally Gap in Co Wicklow due to icy conditions. Gardaí are also advising motorists to avoid the Sally Gap Rd (R759). The Wicklow Gap remains open.

“Remember it takes up to ten times longer to stop on an icy road. In affected areas, slow down, keep further back from the vehicle in front and keep all manoeuvres gentle,” the AA has warned. 

With reporting by Hayley Halpin