A new weather warning for snow and ice has been issued across Northern Ireland, with up to 10cm of snowfall forecast.
The Met Office has issued the new warrning, which is currently in place from 9pm tonight, Saturday, January 4, until 6pm tomorrow, Sunday, January 5. The yellow alert impacts all six counties of Northern Ireland.
As for what we can expect, a spokesperson for the weather forecaster said: “Ice and snow leading to disruption to transport and some infrastructure.”
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Read more: Check if snow is forecast in your area of NI and when
Coastal areas are more likely to see rain, but further inland and over higher ground snow is more likely, with 1-3cm expected locally and up to 5-10cm possible on higher ground.
The Met Office added: “Spells of rain, sleet and snow will develop from the south late Saturday before clearing through Sunday. Coastal areas will likely see rain, but inland and over higher ground, sleet and snow is more likely.
“Locally 1-3 cm of snow is possible away from coasts, with 5-10 cm possible over the Mournes, Sperrins and Antrim Hills. Ice will be an additional hazard, especially on untreated surfaces.”
A yellow warning had already been in place. It began yesterday at 4pm and was in place until 10am today, impacting counties Antrim, Down, Derry, and Tyrone.
The Met Office has advised as milder air moves in later on Sunday after the snow, a rapid thaw of lying snow is possible, although how far north the rapid thaw will reach remains uncertain at this stage. This may bring an additional flood risk as the snow melt enters already saturated catchments. You can keep up to date with your flood risk through the Department for Infrastructure.
National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark, said: “If you are travelling this weekend, keep your distance and reduce your speed. Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.
“Even in conditions that seem normal and where the snow is not settling you could always experience slippery conditions. Drivers should plan their journeys, check their vehicles, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”
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