Cold snap set to continue

The worst of the current cold snap is set to hit Ireland later and will continue into tomorrow.

Although the amount of snowfall is expected to decline over the coming days, temperatures are nevertheless set to fall to between -10C and -13C.

There will be some hail, sleet and snow showers during the coming 48 hours in particular in eastern Leinster counties and in parts of Munster.

Met Éireann is warning that the extreme weather will continue throughout the rest of the week and into the start of next.

Temperatures are set to plummet tonight to between -3C and -10C.

Meanwhile motorists are being urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

Sean O'Neill from the National Roads Authority says that while there is sufficient supplies of grit and salt, not every road around the country can be treated.

The worst affected counties are Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Dublin and Wicklow.

People are being advised to take extra care as conditions are changing rapidly.