Snowfall causing roads disruption

Snow is forcecast for Northern Ireland

Motorists must exercise extra care as forecast snow begins to fall, Northern Ireland's Roads Service has said.

The Met Office has warned heavy snow and blizzards can be expected through to the weekend.

The police have said snow has been affecting the Antrim, Crumlin and Glengormley areas and the weather is expected to get worse.

David Orr, Director of Network Services at the Roads Service, said prolonged snowfall could result in disruption.

"Heavy and prolonged snowfall presents us all with perhaps the most difficult conditions that we can face," he said.

He said their snow contingency plan would see all efforts directed to clearing snow from motorways and the trunk roads, before moving to other main roads and the busiest urban link roads.

"Every night during this period, Roads Service will have over 260 personnel on standby to deal with these conditions," he said.

"All our 120 gritters will be fitted with snow ploughs and we will spread salt at up to three times the normal rate.

"But clearing snow is much more difficult than dealing with frost, because of the large volume of frozen material."

'Clear blocked roads'

The operation will continue until all roads are cleared, but this may take some time even with all resources deployed, said Mr Orr.

In very deep snow, Roads Service will use its 13 snow blowers, the latest of which can shift 1,600 tons of snow an hour.

Arrangements are also in place to enlist the help of contractors

Arrangements are also in place to enlist the help of contractors (including farmers) to clear blocked roads.

A winter service leaflet is also available to help inform the public about winter driving and is available by calling 02890 540540 or from the Road Service website.

Severe gale warnings has meant the Stena Voyager has cancelled all crossings until 1800 GMT on Friday.

Anyone booked with Stena Line is asked to call the company before they travel, on 08702 755755.

Meanwhile, the CCEA, the body responsible for setting the 11-plus exam, has issued urgent guidance about Friday's test in the light of the predicted severe weather.

It said the test would go ahead as planned at 1000 GMT and there could be no variation in the starting time.

Neil Anderson from CCEA said parents and staff involved in the transfer test should take due account of any warnings and make judgements about the safety of travel.

"If they do deem that it is safe to make a journey, they should make sensible adjustments to normal travel time to make sure they arrive on time," Mr Anderson said.

However, he reassured people that any child who missed the test because of transport difficulties would be able to take the supplementary exam in mid-December.

Meanwhile, the Christmas market in the grounds of Belfast City Hall was closed for a short time on Thursday because of strong winds.

A spokesperson for the council said safety was a priority and if weather conditions become dangerous again over the next few days the decision to close it will be taken again.