Schools and roads closed across Mayo as Yellow ice warning issued

Met Éireann has issued a Yellow cold weather and ice warning for Mayo and the rest of Ireland.

It is expected to be very cold with severe frost and icy stretches that could impact motorists, vulnerable people and cause issues for animal welfare.

Snowfall in parts of Mayo today has lead to some school and road closures in the interest of health and safety, particularly in rural communities.

The Windy Gap Road has been closed due to the icy conditions. St Anthony's Schools in Castlebar took the decision to close, informing parents early this morning, and schools in Achill and the Ballina area also remained closed today.

The situation in the area around Ballina and Foxford has been described by locals as "brutal". Even double-gritting the roads has not improved the situation with local council staff being out clearing the footpaths and sand handed out to residents in Crossmolina to make their footpaths safer.

Pedestrians and motorists have been warned of dangerous roads this morning due to ice and snow with Gardaí advising people not to travel unless it's absolutely necessary, describing the roads today as "treacherous".

The Yellow warning will be in effect from 5pm today, Thursday January 18, until 11am tomorrow, Friday, January 19.