NI Weather: Snow Warning Causes Disruption and School Closures
The yellow snow and ice warning has caused widespread disruption across Northern Ireland, impacting transport and schools.
The Met Office reports that snow showers will gradually ease on Monday, with the weather warning ending at midday. However, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) urges motorists to take extra care on the roads, especially in areas that may not have been gritted due to wintry conditions.
The Northern Ireland Road Service has been virtually round the clock salting roads this weekend, with Simon Wells advising motorists to leave more time for journeys and to be cautious on salted roads.
In the Republic of Ireland, new warnings for snow, ice, and low temperatures were issued on Monday, with a yellow alert for snow and ice in Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, and Mayo lasting from 11:00 on Monday until 09:00 on Tuesday.
The snowiest areas in Northern Ireland are its mountains, such as the Sperrins, Antrim Plateau, and Mournes, while coastal areas get very little snow in most years.
The lowest temperature ever recorded in Northern Ireland was -18.7C at Castlederg in Tyrone during the big freeze of December 2010.
Flights have been cancelled at Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport, while several Translink bus services have been impacted by icy conditions.
Council areas have also been affected, with household bin collections suspended, cemeteries closed, and some recycling centers and community centers shut down.
The Education Authority said its transport service planned to operate as normal on Monday but warned of potential disruption or delays.
