A Status Red weather warning for snow and ice is set to be extended to cover Munster and Leinster in the coming days, according to Met Eireann.
Blizzard-like conditions are likely to develop; heavy snow and strong easterly winds tomorrow evening (Thursday, March 1) will continue tomorrow night and into Friday morning, giving significant snow drifts in many areas.
Issued this morning, this warning will come into effect at 4:00pm tomorrow evening and will remain in place until 12:00pm on Friday, March 2.
A Status Orange snow and ice warning for Connacht, Cavan and Monaghan will also be valid from 8:00pm tomorrow evening until midday on Friday.
As it stands, a Status Red weather warning for snow and ice is currently in place for counties Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath.
Heavy overnight snowfall has led to accumulations of snow between 5cm and 10cm, according to Met Eireann. Snow showers will continue to occur during today and again tonight, with further accumulations.
Counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford have been issued with a Status Orange snow and ice warning until 12:00 tomorrow.
Scattered heavy snow showers are forecast to continue in these areas today, tonight and tomorrow.
Similarly, a Status Yellow snow and ice warning is in place across Connacht as well as counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Clare and Limerick. This will remain valid until 12:00pm tomorrow.
A meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group for Severe Weather is taking place in Dublin this morning.
Also Read: 800 agri contractors ready to battle Storm EmmaAs well as this, some 800 agricultural contractors right across Ireland are ready to put their shoulders to the wheel to ensure roads are maintained during Storm Emma.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) offered its members’ support to the National Emergency Co-ordination Group for Severe Weather in dealing with projected weather issues that are forecast for this week.