Snow warning extended as temperatures set to fall to -6

A snow and ice warning has been extended for nine counties across Ireland until midday on Friday as temperatures are expected to drop to -6 degrees over the weekend

Up to 8cm of snow is expected to fall in Co Donegal, Co Leitrim, Co Mayo and Co Sligo as Met Éireann issue an orange "be prepared" alert, the second highest warning.

The largest amounts of snow build-up will be on higher ground.

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Gardaí said on Thursday there was heavy snow falling around Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim and snow had also started falling around Co Donegal.

AA roadwatch advised extra care is needed on all routes going to Boyle, Co Roscommon and there was snow and ice on the N59 Sligo/ Ballina Rd at Dromore West in Co Sligo.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned all drivers to take extra care and to remove all snow from vehicles before starting a journey. It warned of black ice and reduced visability during snow and hail showers.

A second weather warning, a yellow alert, has also been issued for Co Galway, Co Cavan, Co Monaghan, Co Longford and Co Roscommon, with up to 4cm of snow expected in these counties.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment has advised people against walking or playing on frozen over water as it may break.

“A further concern with colder weather expected is the formation of ice on floodwaters. People are asked to be careful and parents are asked to supervise children,” he said.

Forecaster Joanna Donnelly said there was a risk of snow showers throughout the country.

“It’s going to stay cold but it’s going be stay dry. The temperatures are low and going to remain low,” she said.

Temperatures are set to fall to -3 degrees due to on Thursday night but get even colder over the weekend to between 0 and -4 degrees due to clear skies and less wind.

Although Saturday is expected to be sunny, there will be frost through the day and fog with a lowest temperature of -6 degrees. There is also a risk of freezing fog.

Sunday will be dry and cold, with sleet and rain showers mainly affectin gMunster.

Forecasters said it is still uncertain whether next week will continue with cold conditions or if the Atlantic front will break through bringing milder weather.

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