UPDATE: Heavy snowfalls continue as driving conditions worsen in some parts of Donegal

Heavy snow showers across different parts of Donegal are continuing to ensure that driving conditions remain extremely dangerous this morning.

In Letterkenny, at 9am, the main roads were passable, but with extreme care.

Council staff are still gritting routes, but motorists are urged to take care. Indeed in some parts of the county, driving conditions are reported to be worsening amid continuous falls of snow.

Earlier this morning, there were reports that a number of vehicles were off the road on the back of Errigal road.

There were reports of dangerous conditions in parts of Inishowen too, with a lorry blocking the mountain road from Carndonagh to Buncrana.

Donegal County Council has confirmed that the R244 between Drumfree (North Pole) and Carndonagh is impassable at present due to additional snow fall. Drives are advised to use the R238 via Clonmany.

The decision to close all schools today, coupled with the bad weather, means the roads are much quieter this morning, but drivers are advised to only travel if necessary. When driving, they are urged to allow adequate space between themselves and the vehicle in front.

An early morning scene in Letterkenny after heavy snowfall overnight

In Letterkenny, drivers are urged to take caution at De Valera Road, Lisnennan Hill, Kiltoy, Convent Road, Lurgybrack and at Mountain Top which are all extremely dangerous after more snow showers.

Power outages in Gaoth Dobhair and Kilcar

Meanwhile a number of homes and businesses in the Kilcar and Gaoth Dobhair areas are without power this morning.

An orange snow alert was in place for Donegal but it was downgraded to a Status Yellow snow and ice warning at 5am on Friday morning

A Status Yellow snow and ice warning for Ireland is currently in place until 10am on Saturday.