Violent winds, heavy rain, sleet and snow yesterday replaced the slightly cold but sunny March enjoyed until recently. Elaine Edwards reports.
Winds gusted at up to 50 or 60 mph in places, and there was a spate of minor traffic accidents as motorists tried to cope with conditions.
The strong south-easterly winds brought trees down in some areas. A number of ferry sailings were also cancelled. Stena Line and Irish Ferries urged passengers to check departure times for any delays or changes.
In Dublin a crane collapsed on to the old railway line at Inchicore. A spokesman for Dublin Fire Brigade said no one was injured and the situation was "nothing as bad" as the recent incident in Ringsend.
Ms Emma Caulfield of AA Roadwatch said there had been a spate of minor accidents in the Cork-Kerry area yesterday.
"It was a pretty bad day, particularly along the east coast, with very hazardous driving conditions," Ms Caulfield said.
"You need to tailor your driving for the conditions prevailing. The speed limits are not necessarily safe in these conditions," she added.
A spokeswoman for Met Éireann said the recent spell of dry, cold weather had given way yesterday when an Atlantic frontal system met cold air from the Continent.