Snow and ice warning issued for Connacht and midlands

Met Eireann says falls of over 3cm are possible in parts of country on Tuesday

Taken in Westport, Co. Mayo, this pedestrian had a close encounter with the power of nature as they witnessed a lightning strike during a blizzard. Video: Tom Scahill

Met Éireann has issued orange and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across parts of the country.

Wintry showers overnight have made driving conditions difficult and the weather forecaster said there would be showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow on Tuesday, with accumulations of greater than 3cm even on lower ground. Widespread frosty and icy conditions will develop, the forecaster said.

A snow and ice warning is in place for Munster, Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford  and Wicklow.

The worst affected areas are in Connacht and the midlands. Met Éireann said. It warned that care was needed on all routes on Tuesday morning and said particular care was required on secondary and minor roads.

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In Meath, gardaí urged HGVs to avoid Slane village following heavy snow. Snow was also causing problems around Kells. Heavy snow also left slippery conditions around Mullingar and black ice was reported around Tullamore.

In Tipperary, there were dangerous driving conditions around Thurles, Cashel and Nenagh, AA Roadwatch said.

Extremely dangerous driving conditions were also reported around Castlebar, Co Mayo.