WEATHER: Council already gritting roads in Kildare as cold snap grips

Temperatures are beginning to plummet across Co Kildare, leading to snow and sleet in some areas later.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Warning alert for Kildare and seven neighbouring counties for Snow and Ice - until 6pm tomorrow.

Kildare Co Council gritting trucks have been seen salting road surfaces on the N7 as well as other routes.

Temperatures have plummeted to around 3 degrees Celsius around Naas and Newbridge.

A forecaster said: "Occasional snow showers will occur this evening, tonight and during Friday, with accumulations of up to 3 cm expected.

"Some icy roads and footpaths also."

The Yellow Warning also applies to Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath and Roscommon.

A Status Red Warning for Snow-ice Warning is in place for Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo

Accumulations of 4 to 8 cm are expected, with the larger values on high ground. Icy roads and footpaths are also predicted.