WATCH: Gardai in Limerick warn motorists to 'avoid unnecessary journeys'

GARDAI are warning motorists to avoid unnecessary journeys in Limerick this Friday morning after a major fall of snow in the county.

Gardai said motorists should stay off roads unless "absolutely necessary".

Gardaí urge motorists to remain off roads unless absolutely necessary. Large amounts of snow on many roads and conditions vary significantly. Cars abandoned on many roads due to snow. pic.twitter.com/8TMpBQOCtP

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) March 2, 2018

The warning comes amid severe weather nationally with some roads impassable. National routes are being prioritised, authorities said.

In Limerick the roads are largely deserted and gardai and Limerick Fire and Rescue say there were no reports of any major incidents in overnight as most people heeded government warnings to stay indoors.

Dock Road in Limerick even more quiet than Storm Ophelia. Commuters being extra cautious on roads #StormEmma @Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/7uPtCVRQ5c

— Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) March 2, 2018

Limerick people are largely heeding the warnings to stay inside. A spokesperson for Bruff Gardai said this Friday morning that there "wasn't a thing stirring".

"All quiet so far thankfully," they said.

Old Dublin Road at Parkway. One of the main arteries in to #Limerick city is deserted. Congrats to @LimerickCouncil staff for keeping strategic roads clear. Stay safe #StormEmma #beastfromtheeast @merrionstreet pic.twitter.com/lWsaaHEWNr

— Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) March 2, 2018

A status red weather warning, which was due to be lifted at 3pm this Friday, has been extended by Met Éireann and remains valid until 6pm.

Limerick Council crews are clearing snow and then gritting strategic routes across Limerick this Friday.

One of @LimerickCouncil 's snow plough clearing and then gritting strategic routes across #Limerick . Stay safe #StoirmEmma #beastfromtheeast @merrionstreet #lkworkingtogether pic.twitter.com/1aZl8kSJim

— Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) March 2, 2018

Priority is given to the road network which carries almost 85% of Limerick’s traffic, a spokesperson said.

Snow levels across the Mid-West are being reported at between two to eight inches. While the warning to stay indoors has been lifted, people are still being advised to exercise caution and only travel if absolutely necessary as snow is still falling heavily in parts.

Still Red variable snow levels across Mid West 2 to 8 inches. Outdoor ban lifted but extreme caution advised. Rural areas heavy fall of snow and still coming down. We remain on essential service only pic.twitter.com/nnVxY0SWGs

— Bernard Gloster (@BernardGloster) March 2, 2018