The public have been urged to stay indoors today as Storm Emma is set to wreak havoc on the country over the coming hours.
In a national action plan emergency announcement made on Wednesday, the Taoiseach along with other Government ministers have urged those in red alert areas to stay inndoors from 4pm this afternoon as conditions will become hazardous.
The announcemnt comes as Met Eireann issued a red status weather warning on Wednesday for Leinster and Munster.
It is expected that up to 40cm of snowfall is expected in some places making it the worst spell of snowfall since 1982.
High winds are also expected to cause blizzard like conditions which will make visibility poor.
In the announcment the Taoiseach urged the public to listen to the warnings and not to go out doors unless it is absolutely necessary as the weather conditions could be a serious threat to life.
The weather warning is set to come into effect from 4pm this afternoon and will remain in place until 12pm on Friday afternoon. Meanwhile Met Eireann have said they will provide regular updates throughout the day.
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