Weather warnings for snow and ice issued in Northern Ireland

Weather warnings for snow and ice issued in Northern Ireland

A new yellow weather warning is set to begin in Northern Ireland from midday on Saturday, continuing until midday on Monday, according to the Met Office. This alert signals potential snow showers and icy conditions that could disrupt travel throughout the region. Initially, County Fermanagh was not included in the warning, but the Met Office has since updated their forecast to encompass this area as well. Snowfall and ice formation are expected to impact various parts of Northern Ireland over the weekend.

The cold weather has already caused various closures and disruptions. Belfast City Council announced the temporary closure of Belfast Zoo for the weekend due to icy conditions, with the possibility of shutting playgrounds as well. In County Tyrone, Omagh’s OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory have closed because worsening weather is making access increasingly challenging. Additionally, the GAA match scheduled for Saturday between Tyrone and Fermanagh was postponed. In the Irish League, Ballymena United’s home game versus Glenavon and Portadown’s fixture with Cliftonville at Shamrock Park were both called off after pitch inspections revealed unsafe conditions.

Untreated surfaces throughout the affected areas are expected to become slippery, raising concerns over falls and accidents. The equivalent weather authority in the Republic of Ireland, Met Éireann, has issued a yellow warning for County Donegal starting at 8 pm on Friday, which then extends across the entire country during Saturday and Sunday. The alert warns of wintry showers and challenging travel conditions, with snow accumulation possible in some places, along with risks from ice on roads and paths.

Northern Ireland recently experienced its coldest night of the winter, with temperatures dropping to -7C in Katesbridge, County Down. The Met Office highlighted that cold northerly winds will continue to bring sleet and snow showers from Friday afternoon through to Saturday morning, increasing the likelihood of ice, particularly on untreated surfaces. While lower-lying areas may see minimal snow accumulation, some higher routes like the Glenshane Pass could receive 2 to 5cm of snow. The police have urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads, noting that even experienced motorists can struggle with icy conditions, and they advised people to consider whether their journeys are essential

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