ALL WHITE IN THE NIGHT

Roads fear across Ireland in snowstorm | Plea to take care as drivers are rescued | Hazardous conditions risk closing schools

- NICOLA DONNELLY

MILLIONS of people will wake up to wintry March madness today - with up to 10cm of snow and Met Eireann warnings in place.

Forecasters said the falls last night, coupled with a very severe front, would cause hazardous conditions, travel disruption and poor visibility.

Two Status Orange warnings for snow and ice were issued yesterday - covering eight counties along with all of Connacht and Leinster.

A second Status Orange snow and ice warning came into effect for Leinster from midnight until 10am this morning.

And a Status Yellow snow and ice warning for Ireland is in effect nationwide until midday. The State forecaster has said significant amounts of snow were expected in some areas.

It comes after six people were rescued from Ireland's highest mountain on Wednesday night in an eight-hour operation.

One woman was stuck after falling and injuring herself on top of Carrauntoohil, Co Kerry, in heavy snowfall. She was rescued in the early hours of this morning. Meanwhile, yesterday in Co Clare, the hazardous wintry conditions played havoc and caused minor collisions on the Kilrush Road outside Lissycasey.