ALERT: Leading weather expert warns of major disruptions due to severe weather warnings for snow

A leading weather expert, Cathal Nolan, has issued a Status Red warning for snowfall across much of the country over the weekend.

According to this prediction, the red warning will affect much of inland Munster, the midlands and parts of Wicklow. Areas impacted by the red warning could see between 20-30cm of snow, causing major disruptions to transport services, power and telecommunications, as well as some isolated communities possibly being cut off.

Nolan has placed the midwest, parts of Leinster and other inland areas of Munster under a Status Orange warning for snow. This could see between 5-15cm of snow in these areas.

He said: "Some coastal areas of the south and east may escape without snow as temperatures will be warmer here."

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He added: "A deepening area of low pressure to the southwest of Ireland will track slowly across the country as we go through tomorrow afternoon and evening and through much of the weekend.

"Frontal precipitation on its northern flank will fall as snow, with significant and disruptive snowfall totals likely in some areas with some blowing and drifting snow possible also, especially on higher ground."

Meanwhile, Met Éireann has currently predicted a Status Orange warning for snow and ice in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. This warning is valid from 5pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday.

A Status Yellow rain and snow warning remains in place for Cork and Kerry, valid from 1pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday.