Farmers around the country are doing their best to battle the blizzard-like conditions in an effort to keep livestock fed and watered.

Earlier this morning, Met Eireann extended the Status Red snow and ice warning across Leinster, Munster and Co. Galway until 6:00pm this evening.

A Status Orange weather warning for snow and ice is in place for the rest of the country.

Accumulations of snow have built up over the last few days and drifts of snow overnight have left many roads impassable.

Gardai are asking motorists to avoid unnecessary journeys. Local authorities are prioritising national routes. Anyone who must travel and ends up getting stuck is asked to contact the emergency services.

As it stands, the public safety advice to shelter indoors has been withdrawn.

Many of our readers have been doing their best to tend to their livestock during the difficult weather conditions.

Click on a thumbnail in the gallery (below) to open up a full-size image; once opened you can scroll sideways to see the next picture. Refer to each caption to see details of each lot.

It is hoped that the worst of the storm has passed. However, conditions are – and will remain – very difficult. People are advised to continue to exercise high levels of caution for their own safety in the extreme cold, accumulated snow and icy conditions underfoot.