Coldest October for over 70 years
Library Image/Picture posed
Ireland has been hit with its lowest October temperatures for more than 70 years, as heavy snow left roads in treacherous conditions.
Among the worst affected areas were the Wicklow hills and parts of Armagh, Tyrone, Antrim and Derry, where up to four inches fell.
A spokeswoman for the Meteogroup forecasting service said conditions were expected to improve.
"It is still quite cold for the end of October. Tomorrow hopefully will be much better and drier for most. There will probably be a bit of cloud around," she said.
Temperature highs usually make double figures at this time of the year. However, gritters battling the unseasonable conditions have covered thousands of kilometres of road.
The extreme weather conditions resulted in hazardous driving conditions in parts of the east, north-east and midlands.
Co Wicklow was one of the worst affected areas, with ice and heavy snowfall reported on high ground. Gardai closed the Sally Gap after a bus got stuck in heavy snow. The Wicklow Gap was reopened to traffic after earlier snowfalls left it impassable.
A spokeswoman for AA Roadwatch said road users must exercise extreme caution despite improved conditions.
"The clocks have recently gone back so motorists should ensure they have their dipped headlights on and their full headlights later on," she said.
As wintry weather descended on the country, bookies Paddy Power slashed their odds on a white Christmas.
The odds are now just 4/1 that one snowflake will fall on the capital city this Christmas Day.
