Two men were rescued from the Sally Gap road near Roundwood, Co Wicklow after they became stuck in poor road conditions early this morning
Motorists have been warned to avoid the area due to snow.
Gale force winds battered the country last night and rain, sleet and snow fell in some areas, leaving slippery road conditions in parts of Leinster, including Carlow, Tullow, Naas, Wexford and New Ross.
Gardai requested the assistance of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Irish Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team at about 4am to help two young men who had attempted to cross the Sally Gap in a small hatchback car.
“They had become stuck near the crossroads and fearing for their safety, they had contacted emergency services to assist them,” the mountain rescue service said in a statement.
Both teams responded immediately to attempt to locate the men. “As their exact location was unknown, experienced drivers from both teams used specially adapted 4x4 vehicles to access the Sally Gap approach roads in treacherous conditions.”
The men were located at about 5am between Pier Gates and the Sally Gap crossroads, They were assessed by mountain rescue medical personnel and brought to safety in a mountain rescue vehicle.
Both the Sally Gap and the Wicklow Gap roads are expected to remain covered in snow for at least another 24 hours. Driving over the two passes is currently very difficult, the experienced rescuers said.
Mountain Rescue and An Garda Síochána advised motorists to avoid these routes until conditions improve.
Snow has also been falling in the Woodenbridge and Baltinglass areas.
“Motorists are advised to slow down, drive with extra care and remember stopping distances are 10 times longer in snow and ice,” AA Roadwatch said.
Irish Ferries cancelled its Swift sailings between Dublin and Holyhead this morning due to the weather.
Met Éireann said north to north-east gales will continue along the Irish coast,with winds forecast to reach force six or higher between Hook Head to Slyne Head and Belfast Lough. It will be a very cold, blustery day with frost in places.
Lowest temperatures are due to fall to between two degrees and minus two degrees overnight, when widespread frost is expected, it added.