THE COLD snap of recent days is set to continue and a white Christmas could occur in some areas, according to Met Éireann.
The north and northwest bore the brunt of weekend snowfalls and freezing temperatures, while driving conditions were dangerous in many parts of the country.
Between 10 and 20cm of snow was lying on high ground in parts of Ulster yesterday, while the weather station at Knock airport recorded four centimetres.
Motorists in counties such as Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Cavan encountered dangerous driving conditions, with freezing temperatures and icy roads.
The Garda and AA Roadwatch advised motorists to drive with extreme caution due to treacherous conditions in many parts of the country.
AA Roadwatch urged particular caution on roads such as the Dublin/Belfast Road; the N3 Dublin/Cavan Road in Meath; the N4 Dublin/Sligo Road at Ballinalack; the N6 Dublin/Galway Road at Kilbeggan; the N2 in Monaghan; the M7 Portlaoise bypass; the N59 Galway/Westport Road; the N15 Sligo/Bundoran Road; the N16/A4 Sligo/Enniskillen Road and the N81 Tallaght/Baltinglass Road.
Heavy falls of snow at airports in the US, the UK and some European countries affected people intending to travel from Ireland yesterday.
Washington had its biggest December snowfall in more than seven decades, while almost 59cm of snow was recorded at Philadelphia International Airport.
Flights going to and from the UK, Germany, France and eastern Europe were also delayed at various times yesterday.
Dublin Airport Authority spokeswoman Siobhán Moore said the airport had no problems with the weather conditions but some airports abroad had closed for brief periods, which had a knock-on effect on flight arrivals and departures at Dublin.
“The delays vary. Some flights are leaving as normal. Others are a couple of hours delayed, but it’s not too bad,” she said.
Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair advised passengers to expect delays and possible cancellations and to check their websites for updates.
Aer Lingus said 15 flights were cancelled yesterday due to problems at airports such as Manchester and Dusseldorf, while 20 flights were delayed by more than two hours.
Snowfall across northern counties badly affected Belfast International Airport and many roads along the Atlantic coast. The Rathlin ferry was also suspended.
The runway at Aldergrove was closed for a time after initial snowfalls in the early hours of yesterday. About 5cm accumulated, but this was soon cleared and the runway reopened. Passengers have been advised to check with their airline’s website before leaving for the airport.
Heavier falls in the east and southeast of England have also had a knock-on effect on air services to Northern Ireland. George Best Belfast City Airport said it was operating normally yesterday.
Northern Ireland’s Roads Service said it was stepping up its work, while some farmers in north Antrim and Co Derry helped to clear some minor country roads.
Roads Service spokesman Dennis Wilson told UTV: “We are just battling against nature at the minute . . . People just need to slow down and take a lot of extra care.”
Roads have been gritted as part of an ongoing plan of work since 5pm on Saturday, but the Roads Service added that some traffic was needed to help break up ice on the roads and to speed up the melting process on surfaces treated with salt.
WHITE CHRISTMAS? MAYBE:
Met Éireann forecaster Pat Clarke said there was still uncertainty about the weather on Christmas Day, but the low temperatures meant snow would probably still be present in parts of Ulster on Friday.