Ireland is bracing itself for more transport disruption as bad weather and snow is set to hit the country over the coming days.
Met Éireann has issued a severe weather warning that cold and wintry conditions will sweep across the country with widespread heavy snow expected in the days ahead. Temperatures are expected to fall to as low as minus 9.
The latest cold snap began in the west and northwest today, before becoming more widespread. Heavy snow and sleet began that fell in many areas of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal today are expected to move inland towards the midlands, Leinster and west Munster areas.
Further snow showers are expected across the country tomorrow afternoon and into the evening.
Met Éireann said most parts of the country were likely to get snow at different times over the next four or five days. There would be between 10cm to 15cm of snow in some areas tomorrow evening, with more over higher ground.
Northwesterly Arctic winds are expected to push snow showers inland initially before spreading nationwide from tomorrow afternoon. Strong winds will bring the risk of snow drifts particularly on higher ground in the north and west of the country.
While snow showers are expected to scatter on Saturday and some areas should experience dry periods and winter sunshine on Sunday, forecasters do expect it to stay cold over the weekend and into next week.
The National Roads Authority said this afternoon there are just 15,000 tonnes of salt left in the State to keep key main roads open, before the next shipment is due on Wednesday,
The authority which had been using up to 5,000 tonnes a day in the recent cold spell said the average use of salt is between 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes per day.
Some 26,000 tonnes of salt are due to arrive in Ireland from next week for gritting roads, but it is likely that only national primary roads and those that are important for access to facilities such as hospitals and ports will be prioritised in coming days.
Local authorities are continuing to restrict water supplies at night, and householders have been urged not to leave taps running.