A severe winter storm has paralysed Ireland, causing significant disruption to the transport system and widespread power cuts. Thousands of customers remain without water and electricity due to snow and ice.
An orange warning for low temperatures and ice for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Munster and Connacht will come into effect at 18:00 local time on Wednesday.
The worst affected areas are in the counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Carlow, Laois and Wicklow. National electricity supplier, ESB Networks, said it could take several days to restore power due to the extent of the damage.
In addition, around 15,000 customers are experiencing water supply problems due to frozen pipes and outages at sewage treatment plants. Freezing temperatures and icy conditions are making it much more difficult for repair crews to work.
Authorities have issued an orange level snow and ice warning for several regions, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Reports indicate dangerous driving conditions with heavy congestion on key motorways including the M8 Cork to Dublin.
Emergency services are urging people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary as the snow continues to create dangerous conditions. The storm is expected to last and the impact on infrastructure and daily life is still being assessed.
