The country was last night bracing itself for a cold stretch that could lead to freezing winds and blizzards in parts of the north and west today, writes Ruadhán Mac Cormaic. Met Éireann yesterday reiterated its severe weather warning, forecasting cold temperatures and freezing winds across the country and frequent snow showers for parts of Ulster, north Connacht and north Leinster.
A spokesman for Met Éireann said snow showers were possible today in Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and parts of Cavan, where frequent showers could leave 3-8cm of snow in some places.
The outlook for the weekend is for still lower temperatures. Tonight will be bitingly cold with spells of rain and sleet - which will fall as snow in some places - and northerly winds of 80-100km/h. Tomorrow is expected to be brighter, with fewer wintry showers, though the country will remain cold into early next week.
AA Roadwatch yesterday advised motorists to take "extreme care" over the next few days.