ALERT: Weather warning extended amid threat of further falls of sleet and snow in Clare
Thousands of homes, farms and businesses without electricity across the country
Met Éireann has extended its status orange snow/ice warning for Clare as the current cold snap continues.
There was heavy snowfall across Clare overnight with accumulations severely impacting travel in several areas while almost 30,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without electricity.
In an update, issued this Sunday morning, Met Eireann says further falls of sleet and snow are likely in Clare and several other counties this Sunday evening.
A new status orange snow/ice warning for Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly and Wicklow will come into effect at 5pm and remain valid until 8pm.
Potential impacts include very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption and delays to public transport.
Clare County Council is advising motorists that a number of roads are impassable while conditions on others are hazardous.
Despite the poor weather, Shannon Airport says it remains 'fully operational' but intending passengers are being advised to check its website and social media channels for updates.
Met Eireann, which has also issued a status yellow low temperature/ice warning for all of Ireland, says there will be difficult conditions underfoot and that animal welfare issues are also likely.