Storm Freya snow has blanketed Portlaoise - PICTURES

Storm Freya has blanketed Portlaoise in snow after heavy and continuous afternoon falls in what looked like blizzard-like conditions.

Pedestrians and many motorists were struggling to come to terms with the extent of the snow which was not forecast to bring large accumulations to low-lying areas.

Laois County Council staff were out in gritting trucks but the roads are treacherous and with a cold night expected driving conditions may worsen.

Read also: MULTIPLE SNOW CRASHES

Several crashes have taken place on the M7 and M8 motorways which run through the county.