Motorists are urged to take care on the roads as snow and ice make driving conditions dangerous across Northern Ireland.
A Met Office warning for ice and snow is in place for all of Northern Ireland today.
In Derry, Oakgrove Integrated College could not open this morning and students were advised to work from home.
Translink says heavy snowfall and hazardous driving conditions have resulted in the suspension of two bus services, the 402 Causeway Rambler service and 171 service (Ballycastle to Coleraine). There are also delays and disruption to bus services in the Magherafelt area.
Derry City and Strabane District Council said several of its services were also affected today. The council’s cemeteries at Ballyoan, Altnagelvin, Strabane and the City Cemetery in Derry had been closed for a period but are now open again, while household bin collections were also likely to be impacted.
Due to a two-vehicle collision, the Tullykevin Road near Greyabbey, outside of Newtownards, is temporarily closed.
The PSNI cautioned drivers about driving on untreated roads and recommended they Increase their braking distance.
❄️Reminder: a @metoffice weather warning for ice is in place today.❄️
— Department for Infrastructure (@deptinfra) January 17, 2024
Snow & ice may cause travel disruption in some areas.
Road users are asked to take extra care - see below for practical driving advice.
More info: @TrafficwatchNI, @nidirect & https://t.co/n6jlHzs6aU pic.twitter.com/HqbmnSW1Hv
Weather warnings for snow remain in place in the coming days as temperatures across Ireland plummet.
Yesterday, a number of schools were unable to open while there was disruption on some roads and public transport services. In the Republic the coldest temperature was recorded in Thomastown in Co Kilkenny where it dipped to -7.4C.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice covering most of Northern Ireland today.
It has forecast a very cold and frosty start with snow showers mainly in the north, while the outlook for tomorrow to Saturday is very cold and windy with snow showers.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind across Northern Ireland on Sunday as well which will be in effect from 6am until 11.59pm.
Yellow warning of wind affecting Northern Ireland https://t.co/CquminC6Rc pic.twitter.com/NoNSrrmzQJ
— Met Office - Northern Ireland (@metofficeNI) January 17, 2024
The winds could potentially cause transport and utility service disruptions across the area over the course of Wednesday.
In the Republic of Ireland, Met Eireann has forecast a cold Arctic air for the rest of the week, warning that widespread frost and ice may lead to hazardous travelling conditions, and temperatures as low as -5C are expected tonight.
The cold snap comes as public sector workers prepare to take part in what is expected to be one of the biggest strikes in recent history in Northern Ireland.
Tens of thousands of public sector workers will take part in the action on Thursday over pay. The gritting of roads is expected to be impacted.
The Department for Infrastructure has warned of significant disruption to services, including gritting and roads response.
Gritting will also be impacted by a week-long strike by members of the GMB and Unite unions until January 26.
The department has advised the public, where possible, to avoid travel on Thursday.
Emergency numbers :
Emergency services – 999
Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088