Motorists warned of treacherous roads overnight

Met Éireann has warned of treacherous driving conditions overnight and tomorrow morning with temperatures set to drop to minus 3 celsius.

Snow showers are expected over much of the country tonight with the heaviest falls likely over Ulster, Connaught and Munster where deposits of 3 cm to 5 cm are possible.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the Sally Gap in Wicklow due to very icy road conditions. Snowy road conditions are also being reported in the Ballinascorney area of Tallaght.

Met Éireann has warned that the cold spell currently affecting much of the country is likely to continue until the weekend.

Drivers in Co Cork were being advised to avoid the M8 Mitchelstown bypass earlier today after up to 20 vehicles became stuck in about 6 inches of snow.

Slippery road conditions were also reported on the N21 in Limerick between Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale while motorists are advised to avoid the Rathkeale to Ballingarry Road due to treacherous conditions.

Dangerous driving conditions were reported today around Ballina, Crossmolina and Belmullet and the N59 in Co Mayo and snow and ice are also reported in south Co. Donegal and North Leitrim. Conditions are reported to have improved but motorists are advised to take extreme care through the Barnsmore Gap .

"It's not unusual to see this kind of weather at this time of the year. The possibility of snow can occur at any time from around October to April and there's even been snow recorded outside of that period, " said Met Éireann meterologist David Rogers.

"The weather will improve gradually but there's still a scattering of snow showers across the North and West today. Most of the snow will occur on higher ground and won't cause a problem but it is a pretty cold air mass we are in and tonight will turn even colder so there is likely to be difficulties with severe frost," he added.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for all journeys, watch out for black ice on all roads, particularly in sheltered areas, reduce speed and stay a safe distance from the car in front.

“With very low temperatures and frost forecast, it is possible that road conditions will be very dangerous. Motorists should take particular care when driving overnight and in the early hours of the morning," said Nicola Hudson of AA Roadwatch.