Overnight rain and thawing snow caused flooding in many parts of the country today.
Met Éireann said rainfall said up to 30mm fell in parts of the east and south last night, accelerating the melting of snow in upland areas.
Co Wicklow was the worst hit, with motorists being advised to avoid Arklow town and Rathdrum because of extensive flooding, although waters in some areas are beginning to recede.
Bus transfers are in operation between Wicklow and Arklow due to flooding on the rail line. Rathdrum is not being served by bus or rail due to flooding around the area.
Met Éireann also issued a gale alert today, warning south to southwest winds will occasionally reach gale force this evening and tonight on Irish coastal waters from Slyne Head to Rossan Point to Fair head.
Forecaster Joan Blackburn said although temperatures this weekend will be substantially higher than recent weeks, between 5 and 9 degrees, it will remain cool and chilly across the country.
She said the outlook for the coming days is for mainly dry weather, with a slight frost developing in some inland areas at night.
Although road conditions across the country have improved considerably in recent days, AA Roadwatch is advising motorists to drive with care due to “possible lingering ice” on some roads, particularly in sheltered areas or over higher ground.
The unprecedented bout of cold weather has caused extensive road damage in many parts, the agency said.
Spokeswoman Nicola Hudson said the freezing temperatures had left the country’s roads “littered with potholes, some of which are a foot deep”.
In Co Tipperary, the N24 route, between Cahir and Clonmel, is so badly damaged that the council has placed temporary traffic lights in several parts. Similarly, the N11 road north of Ferns in Co Wexford is described as particularly bad.
In Enniscorthy, the Quays are closed and traffic is being diverted away from Edermine Bridge.
There are “very deep potholes” reported on several routes in Cork, including the N28 Cork to Carrigaline Road and between Tallow and Middleton. In Meath, there were potholes between Kilmoon Cross and Duleek, and between Ratoath and Dunshaughlin.
There is also spot flooding in Wexford on the N11 northbound at Gorey. The Vico Road in Dalkey, Co Dublin, is closed until further notice due to a collapsed wall.