Snow is on the way to almost all of the country and it is likely to stick.

Met Éireann has issued a 'Status Orange' forecast - warning of very strong winds and heavy wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow today and overnight.

It means we will likely face blizzard-like conditions and accumulations of snow, especially on higher ground.

On foot of the prediction the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued an alert to all road users.

They say icy patches on roads tomorrow morning will be the biggest danger.

Warning of high winds

It is also warning of extremely windy conditions with some severe, possibly damaging, gusts.

It says strong to gale force westerly winds will produce gusts of 110 to 130 km/h in Connacht and Donegal, while in Munster, Leinster, Cavan and Monaghan gusts of 90 to 110 km/h are expected.

Tonight heavy wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow are forecast in the north of the country, but during the night they will become more widespread and produce some accumulations of snow.

The wintry showers will turn to rain showers on Tuesday afternoon as temperatures increase.

Met Éireann Forecaster David Rogers explained to Lunchtime here on Newstalk.