By David Raleigh
The southbound bore of the Limerick Tunnel is closed following a five-car pile-up.
The serious road crash - involving a Lexus car, a van and a truck, and two other vehicles - happened shortly after 3pm.
Emergency services are still at the scene including, ambulances, fire trucks and gardaí.
It is understood there are multiple casualties, however the extent of their injuries are not yet known.
Driving conditions have been treacherous in the county all day due to showers of snow, hail and rain.
Gardaí are advising motorists to drive with caution.
"There was a five-car pile-up. The road is closed," a senior Garda said.
Earlier, Limerick Gardaí received high volumes of reports of road crashes which resulted in lengthy traffic delays across the city centre earlier today.
The worst hit areas in the city surrounds were Caherdavin, Corbally, Annacotty and Tournafulla in West Limerick.
Gardaí have also advised extreme caution on the M7 Motorway, the N18, N69, N20, N21, local roads around Newcastlewest, Dromcollogher, Kilfinane, Anglesboro, Galbally, Ardagh, Carrigkerry, Hospital and Bruff.
Drivers are asked to slow down, increase breaking distance and avoid all unnecessary travel.
A status orange snow and ice alert remains in place for most of the west of the country until 6pm this evening, as well as parts of Connaught, with accumulations of up to three cms of snow likely in places.