LIVE: Track the snow as it heads towards Ireland amid severe weather warnings

With "significant snowfall accumulations" expected in several counties this weekend, Met Eireann has issued a number of weather warnings.

The national forecaster has issued a status orange snow/ice warning for eight counties - Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wicklow while a status yellow warning has been issued for the rest of the country.

Significant snowfall accumulations are expected on Saturday evening and Sunday and potential impacts include very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility and travel disruption.

The most significant snowfall is expected on Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday morning.

You can track the patch of the weather system as it approaches Ireland using the tracker below from windy.com.

Local authorities across the country have placed crews on standby and motorists are being urged not to drive while the warnings are in place.

The status orange warnings will remain valid from 5pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday.

READ ALSO: Be snow ready with these essential tips for driving in icy conditions this weekend

Commenting following a briefing ahead of the weekend, Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: “We are going to see difficult travel conditions for much of the country in the coming days. Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted – so I urge people to slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.

"It’s important that drivers travelling longer journeys are aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.  Footpaths can also be extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice so please take extra care while walking."

Mr Leonard says public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so those travelling are being advised to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.