Warning issued to motorists as fallen snow is set to freeze tonight

MET Éireann has issued two status orange weather warnings as Ireland prepares for sub-zero temperatures to freeze over last night's snow.

A snow and ice warning remains in place for Mayo, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Galway, Roscommon and Tipperary.

Motorists are advised to take 'extreme care' as snow, ice and freezing temperatures grip the country.

Met Eireann warned of slippery paths and treacherous roads throughout today.

Gardaí say most people seem to have heeded the advice to stay off the roads, with poor conditions in several areas following snow. 

"People living in areas where an Orange level weather warning has been issued should exercise extreme caution when travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys," gardai said.

A second status orange warning is in place as gale force winds are expected to hit parts of the country today.

Westerly strong gales are continuing on Irish coastal waters from Carnsore Point to Mizen Head to Loop Head and reaching storm force 10 for a time. The weather warning remains in place until 5 pm today.

Bus Éireann have said all services are operating to schedule and are currently unaffected by weather conditions. Iarnród Éireann say all services are operating as scheduled.

Meterologist Gerry Murphy of Met Éireann said: "As the snow clears south this evening, we're going to see very cold, clear conditions following behind it. So a very severe frost and icy conditions developing tonight on top of that lying snow. So tonight will bring very frosty and very treacherous conditions on roads."

Mayo Civil Defence have advised the public not to make unnecessary journeys and keep themselves updated with the changing weather conditions.

Flights have also been affected at Ireland West Airport Knock while ESB crews have been working to restore power to a number of communities in Mayo, including Moygownagh, Bangor Erris and Newport.