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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Two-day Met Office weather warning issued for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is set for some icy conditions this week with two weather warnings in place.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for today and tomorrow, both for ice, affecting most parts of the region.

Wednesday's alert kicks in from 5pm, and will end at 6pm tomorrow, Thursday December 8.

Read more: NI winter service team 'ready for snow and ice' with specialist equipment

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Some disruption is likely due to icy surfaces.

"Some roads and railways may be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths."

They also warned that "some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces" could be expected.

It comes as the Department for Infrastructure says its winter safety service is "fully operational and ready".

Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are available to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely, with 12 specialist snow blowers also available to be deployed if required.

Gritters ready for snow and ice (DFI)

Colin Sykes, Director of Road Asset Maintenance, said: "Every year our winter service operation remains in place from October to April to ensure 7,000 kilometres of the road network on the salting schedule remain open. With snow and ice forecast for this week and some disruption on our roads possible, staff are ready to be deployed as necessary.

"We have around 74,000 tonnes of salt in stock and in addition over 5,500 salt bins and 58,000 grit piles are also available for use by the public on a self-help basis on selected routes not included on the salting schedule.”

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