Snow and ice cause early morning disruption

QRadio News

Snow and ice across Northern Ireland is set to effect public services, schools and traffic this morning. 

Areas on higher ground have been hit by several inches overnight. 

More than 130 schools across the provence have already announced they're to close for the day.

However, some pupils due to sit examinations are still expected to attend, and should check details with their school.

Hundreds of homes have also suffered power cuts, with NIE engineers working to restore electricity supplies.

Meanwhile, the roads service say gritters have worked to keep main routes as clear as possible across the country.

Officials are warning of more treacherous conditions this morning, and have asked drivers to leave extra time for their journey.

Emergency numbers if you need them during the current spell of snow and ice. Info & advice: https://t.co/tmNyxcX9gl pic.twitter.com/DLYDKc6Ipu

— nidirect (@nidirect) January 16, 2018

A mountain rescue team was called to help with motorists who were trapped on a motorway in wintry conditions in Scotland.

Moffat Mountain Rescue Team were asked to attend and check on drivers stuck in their vehicles on the M74 on Tuesday evening. 

The Met Office has issued amber "be prepared" warnings of snow and ice for southern Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Forecasters warn of "heavy squally showers of snow" which may cause power cuts and disruption on the roads, with 15cm-25cm of snow possible on high ground, and 5cm-10cm more typical at lower levels.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "It's looking pretty unsettled, there's a lot of weather to come.

"Through the night there will be some heavy showers which bring the risk of several centimetres of snow and risk of ice."

Amber warnings are in place until 8am on Wednesday morning.

Yellow "be aware" warnings of snow and ice across much of Scotland and Northern Ireland are in force until 6pm on Wednesday.

In areas that saw snow overnight on Tuesday, temperatures dropped to 0C-2C (32F-36F).