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Co Armagh recorded snow depths of 22cms with more snow predicted

Phils Farm, Newtownhamilton
Photo courtesy of Phils Farm, Newtownhamilton

Co Armagh recorded the highest snow depths of any other place in Northern Ireland on Wednesday morning.

The weather station at Glenanne recorded depths of 22 centimetres – almost nine inches – as heavy snow fell throughout the night.

The Met Office have kept a yellow warning for snow in place right through until 7am on Thursday.

But that doesn’t look to like the end of the snow with more predicted from 10pm on Thursday, throughout the entirety of Friday. The heaviest of the snow will come in the small hours of Friday morning.

The Met Office are also predicting the latest area of low pressure will bring gusts of 50-60 mph quite widely and a small chance of winds reaching 70 mph in places.

Tonight’s Dr McKenna Cup semi-final between Donegal and Armagh has been postponed following a pitch inspection in Ballybofey. That game has been rescheduled for Saturday at 6pm.

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: “Conditions on the roads remain difficult in many areas and salting of roads on the scheduled network in areas most badly affected by snow and ice is ongoing and will continue as necessary through today and overnight.

“All major routes remain passable, however some rural areas have seen greater snowfalls in particular eastern and southern counties and motorists should drive with caution and check for the latest updates.

“Resources are currently focused on road salting operations, however we will endeavour to restock salt bins and salt piles on public roads for community self-help as quickly as possible and when safe to do so.

“Over the next 24 hours the weather is expected to be a wintry mix with further snow possible in northern and western regions and rain possible in southern and eastern regions. With already difficult driving conditions, road users should continue to exercise caution, consider their journey, leave extra time and follow advice in the Highway Code.

“The statement continued: “Despite our best efforts we cannot guarantee ice free roads even after salting and rain can wash salt off the road and ice may form. Drivers should exercise caution and drive with care, increase their stopping distance and be prepared for changing conditions.

“Multi-agency responders will meet again this morning and continue to monitor the weather, responding as necessary, and have emergency planning arrangements in place to deal with any further weather impacts.”

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