Warning: Yellow
To expect: Snow
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Friday 8pm
End time estimate: Saturday 11am
The Met Office has issued a Yellow snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland until Saturday midday.
The region will be approached by snowfall, which is anticipated to start impacting the area on Friday at around 8pm before dying out at 11am on Saturday.
The Yellow alert for snow and ice was issued at 10:40am on Friday, January 24.
A Met Office forecast said: “Snow showers are expected to affect Northern Ireland during Friday afternoon and overnight into Saturday morning. Some small snow accumulations could develop in places, mainly on high ground in the west. However, ice is likely to be the main hazard, with icy stretches forming on untreated surfaces as temperatures fall this evening.”
What to expect
Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services; Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces; Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
What should you do?
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). 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. 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 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings.
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 11am on Saturday.