Snow joke Met Éireann issue two Status Yellow warnings as icy conditions cause havoc on the roads

IRELAND is braced for a freezing and windy day as Met Éireann issued two wind warnings while an advisory for cold weather also remains in place.

The national forecaster initially issued the cautionary advice on Wednesday as ice and snowy conditions were predicted to hit the country.

A forecaster revealed: "Much colder for the rest of the week, with sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches. Some wintry showers too."

The weather advisory remains in place until midnight tonight.

And two Status Yellow wind warnings have now been issued for 10 counties on the Atlantic coast, the first of which will come into effect from 11am this morning.

A wind warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will bring north to northwest winds gusting up to 100km/h with a slight risk of coastal flooding.

It will remain in place for 12 hours until 11pm tonight.

And at 4pm a separate warning will come into effect down the coast to include counties Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford.

“North to northwest winds will strengthen on Friday evening and Friday night, gusting up to 100km/h with a slight risk of coastal flooding,” warns a forecaster.

Motorists have also been warned to take it easy on the roads this morning as the perilous conditions are causing trouble for commuters, particularly on the Atlantic coast.

The AA have asked all road users to “allow extra time to fully de-ice your vehicle before setting out.

"Take care on secondary routes in particular, slow down and allow yourself more room to brake.

“In windy conditions, slow down and be extra mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.”

They are also reporting that black ice has been reported on the N69 and N22 Tralee Bypass and urged caution there.

While those using the M4 motorway should be wary of icy conditions westbound between J8 Kilcock and J9 Enfield.

Up north, a snow and ice warning has been issued by the UK Met Office for counties Antrim, Tyrone and Derry, which will be in place until 10am today.

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Online Editors