Met Éireann has issued a status red weather warning for counties Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath, and a status red warning for Munster and Leinster which is in effect until Friday 2 March at 12pm.

Heavy snowfall is expected overnight and Met Éireann has warned that total snowfall up to midday Thursday may reach 25cm.

A status orange snow and ice warning is in place in Wexford, Cork and Waterford also until 12pm on Thursday, with scattered snow showers expected and widespread ice conditions.

But farmers have taken to social media and faced the ‘beast from the east’ head on this morning.

Ostrich in the snow

Things you don’t expect to see in the snow... the lesser-spotted Irish ostrich in Co. Meath #stormemma #beastfromtheeast pic.twitter.com/B4Mku3BlK3
— Farmers Journal (@farmersjournal) February 28, 2018

There are some things that you don't expect to see on a farm and an ostrich is definitely one! Our thanks to our very own Michael Keaveney for sending this in.

Hedge-cutting

Galway farmer Dara Killeen seized the opportunity to cut the last of his farm edges on the final day of the open period. Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is restricted between 1 March and 31 August. \ Dara Killeen

Farmer Dara Killeen seized the opportunity to cut the last of his farm edges on the final day of the open period. \ Dara Killeen

Feeding in the cold

Sums up the morning ?? ? ?? pic.twitter.com/TIcvxBx82G
— The Tipperary Farmer ?? ?? (@nbclancy) February 28, 2018

Noel Clancy in Tipperary, who was featured in our My Farming Week section, has taken to Twitter to show how he’s coping with frozen pipes on the farm.

Farm safety

It looks beautiful but I know a lot worse is on its way. Stay safe, check on neighbours especially the elderly and take care #farmsafely pic.twitter.com/VorLvEiVJ8
— Sandra Hayes (@shayesSandra) February 28, 2018

Sandra Hayes, a teagasc advisor also from Tippeary, has reminded people to be safe during the difficult conditions.

Milk collections

Due to road conditions, milk collection and feed delivery schedules may be disrupted in some areas today. Where possible, please keep access roads clear. Farm safely. pic.twitter.com/P8wKQBpssV
— Glanbia Connect (@GlanbiaConnect) February 28, 2018

Treacherous road conditions means that milk collections in some areas have been disrupted. Glanbia has advised customers that its services will be disrupted and reminded people to farm safely.

Feeding sheep