Status orange warnings have been issued in five counties warning of 'significant snowfall accumulations'. An orange snow warning is in place in Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford and travellers have been warned to take particular care while driving.

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From midnight onwards, Cork will also be under a Status Orange alert for Snow and Rain, where heavy downpours are expected to turn to sleet and snowfall overnight. It's bad news for the many people hoping for an early 'White Christmas' as the wet weather could make it hard for any of the white stuff to stick.