Hail, sleet and snow expected

The cold spell that began on Monday is set to continue, and Met Éireann has issued a status yellow alert warning of impending scattered showers of hail, sleet and snow, and icy stretches.

Thursday evening, Thursday night and Friday morning, are predicted to lead to hazardous travelling conditions in some parts.

Showers will be most widespread in the west and north of the country where some accumulations are likely. Isolated thunderstorms will occur also.

The alert runs until 11am Friday.