Ireland weather: Met Éireann issues Status Orange warning for snow in five counties, with whole country under alerts

The orange warning for counties Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford will come into effect from 12am on Thursday and remain in place until 12pm.

Impacts in the affected counties will include very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption, likely disruption to public transport services, difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues.

All of Munster and counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow and Galway will be under a Status Yellow warning for snow and ice from 9pm on Wednesday until 12pm on Thursday.

Impacts include hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption and animal welfare issues. Met Éireann has said outdoor events will be impacted while the warning is in place.