Warning: Yellow

To expect: Ice

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Monday 5pm

End time estimate: Tuesday 10am

The Met Office has announced a Yellow ice alert for Northern Ireland until Tuesday morning.

A Yellow weather alert is set for Monday, starting from 5pm and continuing until Tuesday 10am. Forecasters anticipate hazardous conditions in the affected region due to patchy frost.

The Yellow warning for ice was issued at 1:25pm on Monday, January 5.

A Met Office forecast said: “Following today’s rain, sleet and snow showers, surface temperatures are expected to steadily fall below freezing in places under clearing skies. Where surfaces have been wet and left untreated, or where subsequent showers wash off surface treatment (this more likely in the north of the country), there is a risk of icy stretches which could lead to some impacts.”

What to expect

Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces; Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, with increased risk of car accidents.

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.

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 ice will remain in place until 10am on Tuesday.