Yellow weather warning for snow and ice in Northern Ireland

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in effect for Northern Ireland.

It will last until midday on Monday.

The Met Office has warned that snow showers will affect many parts of Northern Ireland over the weekend, bringing some disruption to travel.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said it has deployed 130 gritters to salt the main road network.

“Snow showers will continue to affect many parts of Northern Ireland over the weekend, before gradually easing on Monday,” the Met Office said in a statement.

“The heaviest and most frequent snow showers will be in the north, although along the north coast these may fall as rain or sleet at times.

“Whilst not all locations in the warning areas will see snow, around 1-3 cm is expected to have fallen in many places by Monday morning, with the potential for 5-10 cm to build up in a few locations, especially over higher routes, such as Glenshane Pass.

“Ice will be an additional hazard for many.”

To combat the snow and ice, gritters have been out across the country.

The DfI said they have deployed “around 300 staff and a fleet of 130 gritters, to salt around 7,000 kilometres of the main road network”.

They say further salting is to be undertaken on Sunday morning.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) urged motorists to take extra care on the roads due to winter weather conditions.

“Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves getting into difficulties when the roads are icy,” a spokesperson said.

“Ask yourself whether your journey is really necessary.”

Belfast City Council announced that Belfast Zoo will remain closed this weekend due to icy conditions.

The cold weekend comes days after Northern Ireland’s coldest night this winter, with a very frosty start to New Year’s Eve.

In Katesbridge, County Down, temperatures as low as -7C were recorded.

Yellow warnings for snow, ice and low temperatures have also been issued across the Republic of Ireland.

Irish weather service Met Éireann has warned of hazardous travel conditions over the weekend.

A yellow alert for snow and ice is in place for Counties Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, & Connacht until 11:00 on Monday.

Wintry showers are expected, with some snow accumulation possible, along with poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

A separate yellow warning for low temperatures and ice has been issued for a wide area, with the thermometer expected to drop to between -2C and -5C.

That warning lasts from 17:00 on Sunday until 11:00 on Monday.