A new yellow weather warning has been issued for parts of Northern Ireland, with temperatures set to plunge once again, causing disruption to travel and leading to school closures.
The latest ice alert for Northern Ireland began at 16:00 GMT on Thursday and will remain in effect until 10:00 on Friday.
With temperatures expected to drop below freezing, the region is facing significant ice risks, particularly on untreated roads.
Several schools have closed on Friday due to the hazardous weather conditions. A full list of affected schools can be found on BBC News NI’s Facebook page.
The Met Office has warned that temperatures could fall to sub-zero levels overnight, increasing the likelihood of icy surfaces on untreated roads.
Thursday night’s low temperatures saw -7°C recorded in Castlederg, County Tyrone, marking the coldest night of the winter in Northern Ireland so far. In the Republic of Ireland, temperatures also dipped to -8°C in Mullingar, County Westmeath.
In preparation for an expected thaw on Friday, Northern Ireland Water has urged farmers to inspect their water supplies.
The utility company advised checking drinking troughs, taps, sheds, and outhouses for leaks or burst pipes, which are common in freezing conditions. They also advised turning off any leaking supplies to prevent excessive water bills.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has issued a reminder about the dangers of slips, trips, and falls in icy conditions. People are advised to take extra care when outdoors, wear sturdy footwear, and avoid venturing out during early mornings or late evenings when frost is at its heaviest.
Transport services have also been affected by the cold snap. Translink has warned of delays and disruptions to bus services, particularly on untreated roads.
Some schools have remained closed due to dangerous conditions, with major closures in the north-west of Northern Ireland, including Limavady, Claudy, and Derry.
Philip McCullagh, principal of St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s in Claudy, said the school had been closed for a third consecutive day due to treacherous local conditions. He stressed the importance of prioritising safety in these circumstances.
The Met Office has cautioned about hazardous conditions on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, with temperatures expected to drop close to -10°C in some inland areas. Freezing fog patches are also forecast.
In the Republic of Ireland, a status orange weather warning for low temperatures has been issued for 15 counties, primarily in the Midlands. This warning will remain in effect from 19:00 on Thursday until 08:00 on Friday, with a yellow warning for ice and low temperatures elsewhere.
The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that salted roads, including school routes, were treated overnight. However, road users are still advised to exercise caution when travelling.
In Plumbridge, County Tyrone, the Buttlerlope social and eco farm has closed for safety reasons due to six inches of snow and difficulty accessing roads.
The weather conditions have been particularly challenging for rural communities, with road treatment and accessibility concerns raised by local residents.
Derry City and Strabane District Council has also warned of potential disruptions to services, including bin collections, with some collections being delayed until later in the week as conditions improve. Council cemeteries remain closed, except for burials.
Stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution during these severe conditions.
