Several national severe weather warnings have been issued marking a significant change in conditions across the UK.
The Met Office has issued a Yellow warning for snow and ice due to it Northern Ireland from midnight Friday January 2 lasting until 10am on Friday January 2.
Following a spell of rain, sleet and hill snow on Thursday evening, icy stretches are likely to develop across the six counties on untreated surfaces during the early hours of Friday.
There will also be some snow showers early on Friday, mainly in the north and this could lead to patchy accumulations of 1 or 2 cm snow.
Colder air will move south across the UK from tomorrow (Thursday), bringing a marked drop in temperatures, severe gales in the north, and an increasing risk of snow and ice.
High pressure to the west and low pressure to the east will bring a northerly airflow across the UK from New Year’s Day.
This pattern allows Arctic air to push south, resulting in a prolonged spell of very cold weather as we head into the New Year. Warnings for wind, snow and ice are now in place.
There could be hazardous driving conditions, disruption to travel and icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
NI Direct have issued advice to “take extra care. Adjust your driving according to the conditions and reduce your speed.”
The following numbers should be noted in case of emergency:
Emergency services – 999 or 112
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
More information and support is available via the NI Direct website here.
