County on shut down as snow and high winds expected

A LOT of the county is shutting down from this afternoon as Met Eireann extended the RED snow and ice weather warning nationwide.

All schools and colleges in Co Galway will remain closed until Monday morning and many workplaces in the city and county towns have told staff to stay at home.
Supermarkets, pharmacies and service stations are reporting a busy morning as shoppers stock up on supplies. SuperValu in Tuam is closing at 3pm today and a lot of traders are also closing from lunchtime.
Road conditions vary around the county with some of the main routes such as the N17 remaining pretty clear while other routes such as the M17-M18 towards Gort being very poor. All motorists are advised to be extremely vigilant and avoid travelling if possible.
Paths and roads in residential estates are extremely poor as are secondary and rural roads around the county which haven't been gritted and where compacted snow and freezing temperatures has resulted in very slippery conditions.
The lowest temperature in Co Galway according to Met Eireann was in Athenry last night where it fell to -5 but temperatures feel closer to -11 when the wind chill is taken into account.
Farmers have been working since early morning trying to ensure stock have sufficient feed and are protected from the harsh conditions.

FORECAST
Met Eireann say today will remain bitterly cold with scattered snow showers in Connacht. Highest temperatures of just -1 to +1 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty easterly winds.
This evening and early tonight persistent snow will spread from the south, heavy in places.
Extremely cold with lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees in strong to gale force and gusty easterly winds.
Tomorrow, Friday will be bitterly cold again. The snow will be persistent and heavy in places in the morning. Highest temperatures of just 0 to +2.