Leitrim braces for bitter cold with Status Orange weather warnings
Two Status Orange warnings have been issued: the first from 8pm Tuesday, January 7 to 10am Wednesday, January 8 and the second from 6pm Wednesday to 11am Thursday, January 9.
Leitrim has largely avoided the worst of the cold snap, experiencing snow only on higher ground, frost and occasional showers of rain and sleet.
The forecast for Leitrim is expected to turn colder this week, with a Status Orange weather warning for low temperatures and ice issued by Met Éireann.
Met Éireann has cautioned that conditions will be extremely cold with widespread severe frost, ice and lying snow.
The warning is valid from 8pm on Tuesday, January 7 until 10am on Wednesday, January 8.
A separate Status Orange weather warning is valid from 6pm on Wednesday, January 8 until 11am on Thursday, January 9.
The warning is in place for Connacht, Munster, Cavan, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Monaghan, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Westmeath and Wicklow.
As of January 7, 10,000 homes across the country are without power and over 25,000 are without water.
Counties most affected are Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary.
The ESB has reported no service interruptions in Leitrim.
The majority of schools have opened, with closures in Carlow, Cork, Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary.
Bus Éireann services have faced significant disruption in the most affected areas. Most Iarnród Éireann services are operating, with the Sligo-Dublin line running as usual.
The HSE have also cancelled some services in southern counties.
Leitrim can expect scattered showers of rain and sleet, with temperatures ranging from -1 to 4 degrees.
The cold snap is expected to ease by Sunday evening, with gradual improvement in temperatures.