Cold snap to last until Friday as snow eases
The prediction came after the Irish National Meteorological Service issued a severe weather warning yesterday predicting very cold weather for last night and today.
The warning came after snowfall yesterday resulted in the closure of schools in Roscommon, Meath, Kilkenny, Carlow and Donegal.
Many workplaces were also badly affected.
Met Éireann predicted further widespread and heavy snow would fall across Leinster and east Munster last night with temperatures expected to fall to -2C.
There was also a warning that gale-force winds would continue to lash the east coast last night causing higher accumulations of snow.
While more snow in the eastern half of the country is expected today, any further winterly showers will be mainly rain and sleet, with snow becoming less likely.
Met Éireann have predicted, however, that due to light north easterly breezes, a sharp to severe frost will develop tonight with the risk of a icy stretches.
It is expected to remain bitterly cold tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, with temperatures only reaching 2C-5C by day and reaching sub-zero at night.
There will be a mix of bright or sunny spells tomorrow but scattered winterly showers are expected too, mainly affecting the northern half of the country.
Snow is unlikely, but still possible. Brighter days are expected on Thursday and Friday as the fresh easterly winds back northerly. Winter showers are possible too but will mainly affect eastern and northern counties.
Age Action has called on neighbours, family and friends of older people to ensure that older people, particularly those living alone, are kept warm and have sufficient food during the cold weather.
They warned that male lone pensioners are at particular risk.
Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said it was crucial everyone played their part in ensuring those who are frail or house-bound remained safe and well over the cold snap.
Meanwhile, people in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, were beginning to clean up their homes and premises as the weekend floods receded after peaking on Saturday night.
Local officials were optimistic that water levels would decrease considerably in the coming days.
The Quay remained closed yesterday but all bridges were open, with the exception of the Convent Bridge.
Clonmel has experienced severe flooding in recent years and an Emergency Flood Response Committee was meeting yesterday to assess the latest flooding episode.
