LAST UPDATE | 4 Mar 2019

MOTORISTS ARE BEING warned to be careful this morning following reports of icy conditions around the country.

A status yellow snow-ice warning was in place nationwide this morning until 8am. 

AA Roadwatch said earlier this morning that icy conditions had been reported this morning around Carlow town, Naas, Portlaoise, Tullamore, Mullingar, Thurles and Wicklow town. 

This comes after an evening of snowfall across the country yesterday, which affected a number of road routes. 

It will be frosty and foggy with lying snow in places this morning, according to Met Éireann. 

There will be sunny spells in eastern areas, but heavy rain and hail showers will occasionally hit western counties. These showers will become widespread throughout the morning. 

Some snow is expected on higher grounds in the west and north with isolated thunderstorms. 

Temperatures will range between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius this morning. 

Tourists and locals experience a heavy snow shower on O’Connell Street in Dublin yesterday afternoon Sam Boal Sam Boal

Warning to motorists

An Garda Síochána last night issued advice to motorists as a result of the icy weather. 

Motorists are being asked to exercise caution and reduce speed on the roads. 

They are being reminded: 

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle in snow or on icy roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
• Keep your windows clear of snow during your journey.
• Manoeuvre gently – avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering as these can induce a skid.
• Use the highest gear possible to reduce the engine revs as this will help avoid wheel spin.
• When travelling downhill, especially through a series of bends, select a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently.

In Wicklow, the Sally Gap has been closed due to dangerous road conditions, according to AA Roadwatch. Driving conditions on routes throughout the Wicklow Gap are also poor. 

Slippery conditions have been reported on the N80 on the Stradbally side of Portlaoise in Laois. 

In Kildare, motorists are being advised that the M7 northbound between Newbridge and Naas is icy.