Snow and Ice warning now in effect for the Shannonside region

Snow is expected on higher ground, particularly in the North and West today. Status yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and rain are in place for 21 counties. Sleet and snow will become mostly confined to high ground through the afternoon, with patchy rain and drizzle elsewhere.

A separate warning has come into effect for 7 counties in the East for rain and will remain in place for the entire day. Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather says temperatures should climb slightly later this evening.