Arctic weather hits Tyrone as road users advised ‘not to travel’

ROAD users in Tyrone have been advised ‘not to travel today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday)’ due to disruption to gritting services, and inclement weather conditions, including snow, frost and strong winds.

With temperatures across the county predicted to plummet into the minus numbers over the next week, according to the Met Office, the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) has further warned local people to ‘take particular care’ over the next number of days if travel is unavoidable.

“If the current weather warnings remain in place, we would advise people to avoid travel, if possible, on Thursday, January 18,” a DFI spokesperson said.

“Where people need to travel, drivers and other road users will need to take particular care on today (Thursday) and Friday given the potential for icy conditions and ongoing disruption to gritting due to strike action.”

With conditions changing quickly, the Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Andy Page, has advised local people to ‘keep an eye on the forecast’ for the most up-to-date information, and weather warnings.

“Where and how much snow we will get will vary throughout the week,” Mr Page described.

“Weather warnings could change quickly, so you will need to keep an eye on the forecast for your region for the latest information. There will be widespread frost this week, and we could see some fairly-deep laying snow and strong winds, which could result in drifting or blizzard conditions at times.

“The snow and ice will be disruptive, and could potentially impact travel plans, make driving dangerous and pavements slippery.

“It will feel bitterly cold, with daytime temperatures in the low single figures for many.

“Overnight temperatures will fall to -3°C or -4°C in towns and cities – while it will be even colder in many rural areas.”

Meanwhile, Met Eireann has predicted some winter sun over the weekend, with a small climb in the temperature with highs of 2°C to 6°C degrees.

Met Eireann also warned of the need to take care when traveling stating that ‘hazardous traveling conditions are likely’.

A separate alert for snow is in place for counties Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo.