Met Éireann warns of severe weather

Met Éireann has issued an updated severe weather alert as the country faces another day of freezing conditions.

It has causing havoc for people trying to get home for Christmas as thousands of flights across Europe have been cancelled.

Met Éireann said that heavy snow showers will be moving from the northwest to the southwest today.

East Leinster will nor escape, as further snow showers are expected later.

Public transport is operating for the most part this morning with some delays and curtailments.

School closures combined with weather and road conditions, particularly on secondary and minor roads, are likely to result in some disruption to school transport services in affected areas this morning.

Bus Éireann local inspectors in consultation with local schools will assess the situation in each area of the country this morning.

The following bus services have been affected:

Route 33: Dublin/Derry – 10am departure from Dublin cancelled

Route 111 Cavan/Athboy – Operating between Cavan/Granard only.

Route 121: Edenderry/Tullamore – Operating with delays; not serving Croghan or Rhode

Route 133 Wicklow-Dublin – some disruption to departures

Route 163 Drogheda/Donore – Cancelled.

Route 166 Dundalk Carrickmacross – Not serving Inniskeen. Cavan service cancelled.

Route 168 Dundalk/Annagassan – Cancelled.

Route 175 Monaghan/Cavan – Cancelled.

Route 189 Drogheda/Clogher – Cancelled.

Route 190 Drogheda/Laytown – Cancelled.

Balbriggan Town Service – Cancelled.

Drogheda Town Services – Cancelled.

Dundalk Town Services – Not serving Marian Park or Coxes.

The National Roads Authority (NRA) said it has 8,000 tonnes of salt left, with 2,000 tonnes used on average each day.

Some 4,000 tonnes are due to arrive tomorrow for spreading on Thursday and fresh supplies every two to three days from then on, bringing reserves up to 25,000 tonnes by Christmas week.

Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports are fully operational this morning but disruption may on the cards if weather conditions deteriorate further.

Airports across Europe though are facing massive problems, causing major headaches for people trying to get home to Ireland for Christmas.

In London, Gatwick Airport has reopened but passengers are being advised not to go Heathrow without a confirmed booking - or postpone travel plans where possible.