Storm Eunice: Met Office issues new ice and wind warnings

THE Met Office has issued new weather warnings for ice and wind across the North of Ireland as Storm Eunice sweeps.

Very strong winds are expected across parts of the North of Ireland with a slight chance of damage to buildings on Friday.

A mixture of wintry showers and clear spells are likely to lead to a cold night with some icy stretches developing on untreated surfaces. A yellow weather warning for ice is in place from 6pm to 9am on Saturday.

The yellow snow warning for the North of Ireland is in force until 6pm with heaviest downfalls expected on hills and mountains.

Earlier people in the North West awoke to a covering a snow.

On the main route from Derry to Belfast through the Glenshane Pass snow had accumulated in the early hours of this morning.

There have been reports of a multiple vehicle collision on the Glenshane Pass where snow ploughs have been working to clear the snow way all morning.

Between 10-20cm could accumulate over the highest spots such as the Sperrins.

The Met Office has said there is a “small chance” that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

A further period of unsettled weather will develop across counties Derry, Tyrone, Antrim and Down at the end of the weekend, with a new Met Office yellow warning for wind now in place from midday on Sunday to midday on Monday.

Donegal County Council said a number of cars had become stuck in snow on Friday morning and described some roads as impassable.

Gritters were working to clear the affected roads, the council added.

Efforts are focusing on the R255/R241 back of Errigal Road, the R244 between Drumfree (North pole) and Carndonagh and the R250 road at Meenaroy.

Both the R250 Road at Meenaroy and the R255/R251 Back of Errigal Road have reopened now. Motorists are asked to please drive with care on all roads.

Motorists heading to Donegal are being urged to take extra care throughout today and this weekend.

Tags: