Warnings of further wintry weather today
MOTORISTS were urged to remain vigilant today as wintry conditions look set to continue across Northern Ireland.
The Met Office has warned that although yesterday’s rain may have washed away some lying snow and ice it will not be removed completely.
Forecaster John Wylie said that the outlook had been for further icy patches overnight and first thing this morning.
He indicated that more rain can be expected today, which “could turn to sleet or snow in the evening”.
“Be prepared for some further wintry weather for a while during Wednesday afternoon and evening. Roads could be very treacherous.”
The Met Office added that showers will “turn wintry and more persistent in the afternoon”. It will also be windy, especially near the coast. The maximum temperature is likely to be 6°C, with a low of 1°C to be expected in some parts.
Conditions will remain unsettled with fresh to strong winds and showers tomorrow and Friday. However, temperatures appear to be on the increase towards the end of the week with a maximum of 7°C predicted on Friday and 6°C on Saturday, rising to a high of 10°C on Monday.
Trafficwatch NI says that a combination of rain and thawing ice on “packed” snow and ice will make travel conditions “very difficult” especially on untreated roads.
Road users are advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling.
Yesterday evening Translink reported “delays and disruption to Metro services due to poor road/weather conditions”.
Meanwhile, East Antrim MLA John Stewart expressed dissatisfaction at the response of Roads Service to the icy conditions on the roads.
“While I would never criticise the workers who drive the gritting lorries, I have to say that the response of Roads Service to the freezing conditions has been patchy at best,” he claimed.