Warning: Yellow
To expect: Snow and ice
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Friday 3pm
End time estimate: Saturday noon
The Met Office has announced a Yellow snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland until Saturday midday.
The region should prepare for substantial wintry showers, starting on Friday at around 3pm and ending at noon on Saturday.
The Yellow alert for snow and ice was announced at 10:24am on Friday, January 2.
A Met Office forecast said: “Cold northerly winds will bring sleet and snow showers across much of Northern Ireland on Friday afternoon, overnight and into Saturday morning, bringing the likelihood of ice on untreated surfaces. Whilst many places, including most low-lying areas, will not see much in the way of snow accumulations, a cm or two is possible in places, with the potential for 2-5 cm on higher routes such as the Glenshane Pass.”
What to expect
Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces; Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths; Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
What should you do?
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary. If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger). Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is a yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for snow and ice will remain in place until noon on Saturday.