Motorists are being asked to drive with extra caution as the Christmas exodus reaches its peak. Tens of thousands are hitting the roads today as they travel to their destinations for Christmas.

After a record low number of road deaths last year, the number who have lost their lives this year is up by over 10%

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is appealing to everyone on the roads to travel safely.

Meanwhile Met Eireann has issued an Orange warning up to this evening, with stormy overnight conditions tonight and showers of hail, sleet and snow.

There will be very strong southwest winds which could go as high as 80 km/hr with gusts of 100 to 130 km/hr.

It says winds will be strongest in coastal counties. It has also forecast icy conditions on some roads.

The combination of very strong winds and wintry showers will make for difficult driving conditions, it warns.