Severe weather warnings have been issued across Northern Ireland as the Met Office predicts potential travel disruption due to icy conditions. A yellow warning for ice will come effective beginning at midnight on Monday, January 6, and will remain until 11 am on the same day. This alert follows closely on the heels of another yellow warning for snow and ice, which is currently valid until 6 pm on Sunday, January 5, allowing for heavy snow accumulation on higher ground.
The Met Office has cautioned residents to be prepared for icy stretches developing during the early hours of Monday morning, particularly after the previous wet weather clears. There is also the likelihood of additional wintry showers moving down from the north, raising the chances of ice accumulation along with 1-3 cm of snow, predominantly in the western regions.
"Icy stretches are expected to develop across much of Northern Ireland during the early hours of Monday morning, following the clearance of earlier wet weather," the Met Office states. Darren Clark, the National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, emphasizes the necessity for caution: “If you are travelling, keep your distance and reduce your speed, as gritters will be out treating roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast. It’s still important to drive to the conditions.”
Clark adds, “Even when the weather appears normal, you could always encounter slippery conditions. It’s wise for drivers to plan their journeys, monitor weather reports, and pack safety kits including blankets, food, water, and shovels.”
While Northern Ireland braces for its share of winter weather, it seems to have sidestepped the most severe conditions affecting other areas of the UK, where heavy snow has led to significant disruptions. For example, airports like Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon had to suspend flights due to heavy snow accumulation, and major roads remained closed well through the day. A warning from the Met Office explained, some rural communities might find themselves cut off with upwards of 40 cm of snow anticipated at elevations above 300m, affecting not only local travel but national logistics.
According to reports, Manchester Airport teams have struggled to clear snow around their facilities since 7 am, countering significant operational delays. Birmingham Airport confirmed operations after significant overnight delays due to snow clearing, emphasizing safety and efficiency as they returned to their normal schedules. Meanwhile, the Bristol Airport saw its runway reopened around 11 pm on Saturday but cautioned passengers of continued delays due to the snow throwing operations off course.
Locally, Northern Ireland’s weather patterns forecasted for the week promise cold, cloudy skies with scattered sleet and snow showers. Monday’s temperature is projected to hover between 0-4°C. The upcoming days hint at similar chill, particularly with added cloud cover and intermittent wintry showers. Reports indicate temperatures might drop to as low as -5°C overnight, keeping icy conditions prevalent throughout the region.
Clark also highlighted safety around untreated surfaces saying, “Ice can present severe risks especially for those not aware of where slippery spots might be.” This warning was particularly directed at less managed areas, which may not receive immediate attention for road treatment. Residents are advised to allow extra time for travel, steering clear of risky side streets where ice tends to form more easily.
The Met Office forecast indicates conditions will likely worsen as the week continues, with potentially up to 10 cm of snow predicted over higher terrain areas like the Mournes and Sperrins. Predictably, this could lead to road closures and additional flight cancellations, as seen with the irruption of snow elsewhere across the UK.
Public safety advisories stress the importance of careful travel plans during such unpredictable weather. Travelers are encouraged to check local conditions, stay updated with the latest forecasts, and perhaps postpone unnecessary trips until conditions improve.
The current warnings not only reflect the immediate weather conditions but also highlight the challenges faced by residents and traveling individuals alike. With significant cold fronts gripping the UK, maintaining communal preparedness and spreading awareness about the safe handling of winter travel remain top priorities.
Forecasting experts continue to warn residents to expect such harsh conditions as we ease back to normal routines following the holiday season. There is every possibility for additional yellow weather warnings to be issued as patterns evolve.
For those affected by outages, efforts are underway to restore services, especially for many without electricity across the border as snow and severe weather led to more than 28,000 properties affected. Similarly, water supply issues were recorded with thousands of premises across the Republic facing shortages.
With these factors considered, the communities across Northern Ireland should remain vigilant as they navigate this severe weather week, ensuring safety remains at the forefront of their travel preparations.