Temperatures plummet as snow falls on rain-sodden Ireland.Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland

After a barrage of fierce storms battered the country and caused major flooding at the start of the new year, Ireland has seen the first snowfall of 2016 with more predicted for later in the week.

Heavy snowfall was reported on high ground across the country with the Wicklow Mountains seeing the worst of it. Gardaí were forced to close the Sally Gap on Sunday as it was deemed impassable.

Dangerous conditions for Irish drivers. Image credit: Photocall Ireland / Marh Stedman.

AA Roadwatch also issued warnings as black ice was reported on the N72 Fermoy/Mallow Rd and on the N73 Mitchelstown/Mallow Rd in Co. Cork.

Not all motorists heeded the warning, however, and Skycam Ireland captured a vehicle stuck in the treacherous conditions. The video, below, shows the Wicklow Mountains transformed into a winter wonderland by the snow. 

The wintry weather is set to continue this week with the possibility of further snow falling on Tuesday evening.

Met Éireann said: “It will be cold, bright and blustery with sunny spells and scattered wintry showers, mainly in coastal areas of the west and north.”

“Many other areas should be dry and bright. Highest temperatures of 4 to 6 degrees in fresh and gusty northerly winds, strong in coastal areas.

“Tuesday night will be cold with frost. Later in the night thickening cloud will bring some rain or sleet into western and northwestern areas and winds will turn southwesterly.”

Snow is expected to fall on higher ground on Tuesday evening with lows of 36 to 28F (2 to -2C).

Wednesday will also be cold and cloudy with rain and sleet expected to fall in most parts of the country.

Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are warned to take care, especially on untreated roads.