ESB crews are working to restore power to several thousand homes across the country that have been left without electricity this morning.

A rainy week is expected to ease fears of drought in some farming areas.

Wide areas of the country suffered heavy rain and widespread flooding — and the ensuing chaos and mop-up yesterday.

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning as up to 40mm of rain is forecast for today. Winds may also reach gale force.

Met Éireann has said that although the spot flooding that affected some roads overnight should clear by lunchtime, a weather warning in place.

Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for parts of the east and south of the country, while the UK is bracing itself for high winds and flash floods as Hurricane Bertha moves in.

It looks like those heading west for the Easter holiday break will probably get the best of the weather.

Met Éireann has issued a weather warning today, as bitterly cold weather and snow showers continue to grip the country.

Met Eireann is forecasting up to ten centimetres of snow in some parts of the country tonight.

Motorists are being advised to drive with extreme care this evening, as Met Eireann is forecasting up to ten centimetres of snow in some parts.

A Wicklow councillor has said the M11 south of Dublin needs to be upgraded after two closures already this year, due to flooding.

Flooding and heavy snow is continuing to cause havoc in many parts of the country this morning, and Met Éireann's severe weather warning remains in place.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said workers’ efforts to keep the country running in the big freeze showed the true sense of public service.

Commuters woke today to more wintry showers as the big freeze continued its icy grip.