MET ÉIREANN HAS issued a weather warning as a bitterly cold snap and snow showers hit large parts of the country.

The yellow warning was made at 6am this morning as Met Éireann cautioned about snow and ice in Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.

The warning will remain in place until 6am on Wednesday morning.

Met Éireann has forecast no let-up in the unexpectedly cold weather which has caused disruptions over the past fortnight, with hail, sleet and snow showers all expected today.

AA Roadwatch has said the Sally Gap in Wicklow is impassable due to the harsh weather and Gardaí are advising motorists to avoid the area.

Temperatures are set to hit a high of just 3 to 5 degrees Celsius today, but Met Éireann has said it will feel even colder because of the easterly wind.

The cold will last through to the Easter weekend when rain, sleet and snow are expected to become widespread throughout the southwest of the country.