Warning: Yellow
To expect: Snow and ice
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Saturday 5pm
End time estimate: Saturday 10pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland until Saturday night.
Wintry showers are set to impact the region, beginning at around 5pm on Saturday and clearing by 10pm.
The Yellow alert for snow and ice was announced at 10:04am on Saturday, February 14.
A Met Office forecast said: “Rain spreading from the west is expected to turn to snow for a time Saturday evening across the west of Northern Ireland. Whilst accumulations at low levels are likely to be limited, 2-4 cm of snow could fall above 200 m, affecting the Glenshane Pass for a time. At low levels some brief icy patches are possible. Snow will turn back to rain at all levels later Saturday evening before clearing eastwards by the end of the day, with a rapid thaw of any lying snow.”
What to expect
Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services; Perhaps 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 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 effect until 10pm on Saturday.