First snow flurries of season set to fall into festive place

Ireland has been told to brace itself for the first snowfalls of the winter.

From Thursday evening and into Friday, the north and northwest of the country have been put on alert for snow showers and icy conditions.

Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo have all been issued with an orange warning from Met Éireann, the second most severe of the warning systems for conditions with the capacity to "impact significantly" on people in affected areas.

Forecasters say snow showers could lead to the accumulation of 4cm to 8cm in some areas, with greater quantities on higher ground.

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The warning is in place until 6pm on Friday.

Dublin Fire Brigade has told homeowners considering hanging outdoor lights to make sure they are rated for Irish weather, particularly with forecasts of snow.

A less severe snow and ice yellow warning has been issued for other counties further to the south, including Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath and Roscommon.

Met Éireann says these areas can expect occasional snow showers on Thursday evening and during Friday with accumulations of up to three centimetres in places.

All counties have been advised to watch out for icy driving conditions.