Wrap up tight, we're in for a freezing weekend!
Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange and a Yellow weather warning for scattered snow showers and icy conditions for the weekend.
An Orange weather warning is in place as significant falls of snow are expected later tonight and into Sunday for several counties including Meath. Accumulations of 4 to 8cm may occur widely with greater totals possible. Drifting snow is also possible locally at times with brisk winds. Treacherous roads conditions are expected due to snow accumulation and ice.
A yellow weather warning has also been issued for Ireland for severe frost and icy conditions as temperatures as set to fall back between 0 and -4 degrees Celsius between 7pm this evening until 10am tomorrow.
Met Eireann says it will be very cold tonight but it will be dry to start, with some clear spells and a widespread frost developing. Heavy and persistent rain will spread from the southwest overnight and will quickly turn wintry with some large accumulations of snow across much of the province. Lowest temperatures of between -1 and -5 degrees in moderate or fresh east to southeast winds
Tomorrow, Sunday, will see further falls of rain, sleet and snow during the morning and afternoon, before starting to gradually clear southwards during the evening. It will be another very cold day with afternoon highs of just 1 to 4 degrees in moderate or fresh northeast winds.
All road users should check local weather and traffic conditions and be aware of the conditions before setting out on a trip. Please drive carefully.
People living in areas where an Orange level weather warning has been issued should exercise extreme caution when travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys. There has already been falls of snow in parts of the country with more forecast and motorists are asked to heed the changing conditions.
Drivers should be aware that it takes longer to stop a vehicle on an icy road so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
Motorists should clear the windows and mirrors of your vehicles before you set off on your journey and carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
Ensure you remove ALL snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey as snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, causing severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another
driver.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, Roads Policing, said: "Please be aware that visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so drive slowly if you need to make a journey. Allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Motorcyclists/Cyclists should not comprise their safety by their 'need' to travel in icy/snowy conditions. Be safe".
Please listen to local media/social media for updates on the status of the weather warnings and/or advice issued by the emergency services. Please heed this advice.