Storm Jake hits Ireland as snow and wind warnings are in place

Storm Jake has hit Ireland with gale force winds today as a national wind warning remains in place.

Met Éireann had issued four warnings for snow, ice and wind on Wednesday.

The country-wide yellow “be aware” wind alert with gusts of up to 110km/h remains in place as the storm moves across the country.

Gardaí are warning motorists to drive with “extreme care” as there are reports of a number of fallen trees and debris on the roads in the wake of the 10th storm this year.

Heavy snow showers in parts of Leinster, Connacht, Co Cavan, Co Monaghan and Co Donegal left an accumulation of up to 3cm of snow and larger amounts on higher ground.

Bands of heavy rain will accompany Storm Jake as it sweeps down the country through the day.

Rain and hail showers will develop in the afternoon as winds will fade later in the day.

It will be bitterly cold as temperatures are expected to drop to zero degrees with sharp frost and ice.

Temperatures will continue to be below average on Thursday as heavy, and some wintry, showers expected in the afternoon.

It will be cold with wintry for the rest of the week. Drier weather is expected the weekend with moderate winds, sunshine at time and frost at night.