Weather warnings issued as snow becomes widespread across country

Weather warnings were in effect overnight as snow clouds rumbled inland off the south-west coast.

Snow began falling in west Kerry early yesterday evening.

The heavy bank of clouds that brought it was drifting north-wards into Cork, Limerick, and west Galway. The system was expected to break up as it left Munster.

It was predicted that this would also bring rain and, with temperatures due to drop to -2C, make for very dangerous driving conditions this morning.

Cork County Council issued a code orange weather warning after it predicted up to 6cm of snow could fall on parts of Munster.

Met Éireann said sleet would be widespread in the south, snow would fall in some areas, and parts of Connaught would also be hit.

In the north and east, further snowfalls were expected, especially on high ground. Wicklow experienced heavy snow around the Sally Gap throughout the weekend.

Most of the Midlands was told to expect clear skies overnight with low temperatures. Last night’s snow showers in the south were not expected to last.

Met Éireann said conditions should heat up slightly this afternoon and get much brighter during the day. However, tonight, temperatures will fall even further and more snow is on the cards for tomorrow and Wednesday.

In Scotland, four climbers were killed in an avalanche. Among the dead was Antrim woman Una Rachel Finnegan, 25.

Snow and ice continued to impact on travellers flying to and from Britain. Heathrow Airport cancelled 130 flights for today after grounding 300 yesterday.

Birmingham Airport had to close yesterday and flights at Belfast City Airport were also stopped to allow the runway to be cleared. In Co Down, power was cut off to more than 4,000 homes.