Weather warnings for snow and ice issued in Northern Ireland

A new weather warning for Northern Ireland has been issued by the Met Office, and will be followed by another over the weekend.

The first yellow warning for snow and ice begins at 15:00 GMT on Friday and is due to last until noon on Saturday.

That will be followed by another yellow warning – again for snow and ice – that comes into effect as the first warning ends and will last until noon on Monday, but excludes Fermanagh.

The Met Office is warning that wintry showers will become more widespread on Friday afternoon bringing some disruption to travel.

The cold weekend comes hot on the heels of 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 minus 7C were recorded.

A Met Office warning from midnight on Thursday ended at 10:00 GMT on Friday.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the Met Office says: “Cold northerly winds will bring sleet and snow showers across much of Northern Ireland on Friday afternoon, overnight and into Saturday morning, bringing the likelihood of ice on untreated surfaces.

“Whilst many places, including most low-lying areas, will not see much in the way of snow accumulations, a centimetre or two is possible in places, with the potential for 2-5 cm on higher routes such as the Glenshane Pass.”

It adds: “Snow showers will continue to affect many parts of Northern Ireland over the weekend, before gradually easing on Monday.

“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.”

The police have advised motorists to pay “due care and attention” on the roads and be able to adapt to changing 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.”