Sub-zero temperatures sweep across Northern Ireland causing travel and service disruption

presseye - snow and ice in derry causes disruption
Emergency services working to clear roads in Derry as snow and ice causes disruption.

As sub-zero temperatures swept across Northern Ireland overnight, warnings are in place for drivers to take care on roads.

Monday was a bitterly cold evening, with snow and ice taking hold from late afternoon.

The north west has been particularly badly hit.

Police in Derry said they dealt with 19 crashes in the city as well as city, Strabane, Slaughtmanus and Donemana.

"If you are driving, please slow down and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you," police said.

A number of schools have also been closed.

They include:

  • Bready Jubilee Primary School, 12 Cloughbuoy Road, BT82 0DN

  • St Canice's Primary School, Feeny, 34 Glenedra Road, BT47 4TW

  • St Mary's Primary School Claudy, 70 Monadore Road, BT47 4DP

  • St Brigid's Primary School, Carnhill Estate, BT48 8DU

  • Gaelscoil Leim an Mhadaidh, 57 Church Street, BT49 0BX

  • The Academy Nursery School, Londonderry

  • St Patrick's PS, Pennyburn, Londonderry

  • Long Tower Primary School, Londonderry

Emergency services were out in force as heavy snow fell in Londonderry on Monday evening Credit: PressEye

The winter weather snap is expected to continue throughout Tuesday, with further snow showers expected.

A yellow weather warning is expected to remain in place until noon.

Disruption is expected to a number of services, including bin collections.

Derry City and Strabane Council has warned that the "adverse weather conditions" may cause "some disruption to its bin collection services".

It's advising residents to leave their bin out for collection as normal, "however for those whose bins are not emptied today please be advised that it will be emptied as conditions improve later in the week".

Motorists have been advised to drive with care Credit: PressEye

The council said the move was in the "interest of health and safety for both our crews and the general public".

It added: "The public are also advised that all Council cemeteries will be closed to the public today with the exception to facilitate burials which will go ahead as normal."

Meanwhile the council said "recycling centres and parks will be opened when it is safe to do so".

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) that there is a "risk of snow and ice on the roads" this morning.

It advised motorists to "please reduce your speed and drive with extra caution".

Tweet photos or videos of the wintery scene where you are in Northern Ireland to @UTVNews, @WeatherAisling and @Louise_utv

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