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06/02/2009
Freeze Thaws, But More Wintry Woe On Way
Although temperatures dropped to below -4C last night across parts of Northern Ireland, the big freeze - which continued to cause disruption on roads during morning rush hour - is thawing somewhat this afternoon.
The rest of Friday and Saturday are set for winter sunshine and dry conditions, while Sunday and Monday will bring more wintry showers, including snow.
Today though, early morning driving remained hazardous on the roads - despite them being gritted - with western counties, such as Fermanagh particularly affected.
At 8am this morning, heavy snow showers were also hitting roads across Belfast with traffic slowing to a crawl on both the M1 and M2 approaches.
Yet again, schools were forced to close for health and safety reasons as overnight temperatures dropped and yesterday's fallen snow froze hard.
Despite the chill, there's been hot debate over the rights and wrongs of school closures, with Stormont Environment Minister Sammy Wilson hitting out at the amount of schools closed during the snow, slamming "health and safety nuts" for "mollycoddling" people.
He was incensed that over 30 schools were shut, with most citing health and safety concerns, as well as not enough staff making it in to look after children or simply hazardous travelling conditions.
The DUP MLA, who is also a former teacher, said many people, including some in his former profession, used the weather as an excuse to take a day off.
Harking back to his teaching years he insisted that people used to be made of sterner stuff and would laugh off yesterday's conditions.
"I can remember in 1963 when there was a heavy snowfall and it lay for weeks, walking to school and the snow was piled above your head but we still got there," said Mr Wilson.
He said the snowfalls should not have prevented people from getting to work nor children from getting to school.
"It's no more dangerous to go out in the snow than it is to go out in very wet weather, windy weather or in conditions of poor visibility like mist or fog."
The DoE minister also slammed what he termed the "self-justifying health and safety industry" for seeking to "mollycoddle people".
However, a spokesman from the Department of Education said: "The decision to close a school due to bad weather or exceptional circumstances is entirely a matter for the schools themselves.
"Schools would apply for retrospective permission to close due to bad weather.
"The department would advise parents who are unsure if their children's schools are open to contact the school directly or check local media reports."
See: Dublin Airport Cancels Freezing Flights
(BMcC/JM)
The rest of Friday and Saturday are set for winter sunshine and dry conditions, while Sunday and Monday will bring more wintry showers, including snow.
Today though, early morning driving remained hazardous on the roads - despite them being gritted - with western counties, such as Fermanagh particularly affected.
At 8am this morning, heavy snow showers were also hitting roads across Belfast with traffic slowing to a crawl on both the M1 and M2 approaches.
Yet again, schools were forced to close for health and safety reasons as overnight temperatures dropped and yesterday's fallen snow froze hard.
Despite the chill, there's been hot debate over the rights and wrongs of school closures, with Stormont Environment Minister Sammy Wilson hitting out at the amount of schools closed during the snow, slamming "health and safety nuts" for "mollycoddling" people.
He was incensed that over 30 schools were shut, with most citing health and safety concerns, as well as not enough staff making it in to look after children or simply hazardous travelling conditions.
The DUP MLA, who is also a former teacher, said many people, including some in his former profession, used the weather as an excuse to take a day off.
Harking back to his teaching years he insisted that people used to be made of sterner stuff and would laugh off yesterday's conditions.
"I can remember in 1963 when there was a heavy snowfall and it lay for weeks, walking to school and the snow was piled above your head but we still got there," said Mr Wilson.
He said the snowfalls should not have prevented people from getting to work nor children from getting to school.
"It's no more dangerous to go out in the snow than it is to go out in very wet weather, windy weather or in conditions of poor visibility like mist or fog."
The DoE minister also slammed what he termed the "self-justifying health and safety industry" for seeking to "mollycoddle people".
However, a spokesman from the Department of Education said: "The decision to close a school due to bad weather or exceptional circumstances is entirely a matter for the schools themselves.
"Schools would apply for retrospective permission to close due to bad weather.
"The department would advise parents who are unsure if their children's schools are open to contact the school directly or check local media reports."
See: Dublin Airport Cancels Freezing Flights
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 February 2004
Heavy snow showers affect whole of NI
Heavy snow showers have affected many parts of Northern Ireland overnight and there is a Met Office severe weather warning in force. Snow depths ranged from one inch to six inches with many schools closing for the day because of the dangerous conditions.
Heavy snow showers affect whole of NI
Heavy snow showers have affected many parts of Northern Ireland overnight and there is a Met Office severe weather warning in force. Snow depths ranged from one inch to six inches with many schools closing for the day because of the dangerous conditions.
03 March 2015
Schools Forced To Close Following Snowy Conditions
A number of schools in Co Tyrone and Co L'Derry are closed today (3 March) as a result of snow and ice. More than 40 schools have been closed, with a number of school bus services cancelled.
Schools Forced To Close Following Snowy Conditions
A number of schools in Co Tyrone and Co L'Derry are closed today (3 March) as a result of snow and ice. More than 40 schools have been closed, with a number of school bus services cancelled.
16 December 2010
Winter Wonderland To Return
As national weather forecasters said that the North and West of the UK would be worst hit by another spell of freezing temperatures - snow showers are expected to return to NI later today. With several centimetres of snow predicted to fall in some places, forecasters said the renewed Arctic blast could last into the middle of next week.
Winter Wonderland To Return
As national weather forecasters said that the North and West of the UK would be worst hit by another spell of freezing temperatures - snow showers are expected to return to NI later today. With several centimetres of snow predicted to fall in some places, forecasters said the renewed Arctic blast could last into the middle of next week.
13 January 2017
Motorists Warned To Take Care Following Heavy Snow Fall In NI
Motorists are being warned to take care on the roads following heavy snow fall in some areas of Northern Ireland. Temperatures plummeted to -1 degrees overnight leaving ice on the roads. A PSNI spokesperson said: "We don't need much snow and ice for our wee country to grind to a halt! "Leave extra time for your journey.
Motorists Warned To Take Care Following Heavy Snow Fall In NI
Motorists are being warned to take care on the roads following heavy snow fall in some areas of Northern Ireland. Temperatures plummeted to -1 degrees overnight leaving ice on the roads. A PSNI spokesperson said: "We don't need much snow and ice for our wee country to grind to a halt! "Leave extra time for your journey.
29 January 2015
Weather Causes Widespread Disruption
Snow and icy conditions have caused widespread disruption throughout Northern Ireland. On Wednesday, the Met Office issued an 'amber' alert for the region as snow started to fall, and continued overnight and into Thursday morning. While a number of areas only received a few, light snow showers, other areas received up to eight inches of snow.
Weather Causes Widespread Disruption
Snow and icy conditions have caused widespread disruption throughout Northern Ireland. On Wednesday, the Met Office issued an 'amber' alert for the region as snow started to fall, and continued overnight and into Thursday morning. While a number of areas only received a few, light snow showers, other areas received up to eight inches of snow.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
