Northern Ireland: travel disruption possible with warning issued for rain, hill snow and strong winds
A yellow warning for rain, hill snow and strong winds has been issued for Northern Ireland on Wednesday (February 18).
The weather alert is place across all counties from 4am until 8pm with the Met Office advising conditions may lead to some travel disruption.
Forecasters say an area of rain, falling as snow over high ground, will move slowly east across much of the province during Wednesday, before easing later. This will be accompanied by strong south-easterly winds which may gust 45-55 mph in places.
Rainfall totals of 10-15 mm can be expected fairly widely, with 20-30 mm in some southern and western areas. However, while many places will see little lying snow, there is potential for several cm to accumulate on higher ground with the main focus being over the Sperrins, forecaster added.
People are advised to expect the following:
- Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services;
- Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer;
- Some interruption to power supplies and other services possible;
- Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.
Meanwhile, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) says with a risk of icy conditions on some high roads in the north and west of the province on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, salting is being undertaken on the routes likely to be affected.
It added: "Road users are again advised to exercise caution when travelling, particularly when driving on untreated roads. DfI Engineers will continue to monitor the weather and roads surface conditions and will action further salting if required.”