Ice Warning For NI As Snow And Sleet Sweep The UK

Northern Ireland is to be hit with a burst of wintry weather this week as snow and sleet sweep the UK.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for most of today, Tuesday 22 January, which will continue until 11am tomorrow.

Ice will form on some surfaces later in the day and overnight, with the morning commute likely to be affected on Wednesday.

The PSNI closed the Coleraine Mountain and Windyhill Roads in County L'Derry on Tuesday afternoon, due to "treacherous" driving conditions.

"This is to enable the road service to get sufficient resources to the areas," a spokesperson said.

Members of the public are being warned of the risk of injury from slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as danger on roads, pavements and cycle paths.

Further hail, sleet and snow showers are also likely at times.

Accumulations of several centimetres are likely on ground above 200 metres, with a smaller amount of settling snow (1cm or less) anticipated at lower levels.

When driving in icy or snowy weather, the Highway Code for Northern Ireland advises the following:

• Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated

• Keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads

• Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle

• Watch out for snowploughs which may throw snow on either side

• Do not overtake unless the lane you intend to take has been cleared

• Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances

• Listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.



(JG/CM)