Met Éireann has issued a status red warning to include Munster and Leinster.

Blizzard-like conditions have been predicted by Met Éireann, with heavy snow likely to develop and strong easterly winds.

Significant snow drifts are expected due to snow accumulations and farmers are warned to take care on roads and around farm buildings.

The warning is place from Thursday 1 March at 6pm until Friday 2 March at 12pm.

The warning follows the status red snow warning for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath.

In addition, Met Éireann has issued a status orange warning for Connacht, Cavan and Monaghan.

The warning will come into effect tonight at 8pm and last until Friday 2 March at 12pm, with persistent snow expected.

25cm of snow

Met Éireann earlier issued a status red weather warning for counties Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath, which is in effect until Thursday 1 March at 12pm. It's the most severe weather warning issued by the forecaster.

Heavy snowfall is expected overnight and will lead to additional snow accumulations of between 5cm and 10cm.

By midday on Thursday, Met Éireann warns that snow could have reached 25cm.

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

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather advisory warning for the whole of Ireland, with exceptionally cold weather expected throughout the week and lasting until Saturday 3 March at 6pm.

Farm safety

Farmers have been warned to take care in the icy and frosty conditions and make sure to carry a fully charged mobile phone, torch and to wear a high visibility vest if they are going outside.

The HSA has also advised farmers to keep farmyard paths clear of ice to avoid slipping.

Speaking this morning, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar asked people to check in on the isolated and elderly.

Farm preparation

For advice on how to prepare on farms for the week ahead, here are some tips from our specialist team:

  • Darren Carty’s essential tips for making sure ewes and lambs as well as cows with calves at foot are well looked after.
  • Jack Kennedy’s advice for dairy farmers.
  • Aidan Brennan on keeping milking machines, parlours and tractors in working order.
  • Mart cancellation

    As farmers across the country prepare for the snow and frost to hit, other agricultural venues are also planning ahead.

    The show and sale at Leinster Mart, Kilcullen, Co Kildare, on Wednesday 28 February has been postponed due to the extreme weather forecast.

    Read the latest news on mart and other cancellations.

    Stay tuned to www.farmersjournal.ie for all weather-related news and advice.

    Read more

    Weekly weather: heavy snow and freezing weather ahead

    Is your farm ready for severe frost?

    From the archives: sheep losses and milking by hand in the big snow of 1982

    Weather update: what marts will be open and what marts will be closed?

    Storm Emma: HSA farm safety checklist

    Farmers told to bear farm safety in mind as country braces for Storm Emma

    How to manage cows and calves in extreme cold