Motorists urged to take care amid wintry conditions

Motorists have been urged to take care on the roads as cold conditions cause ice across Northern Ireland.

"Icy stretches are expected to form on untreated surfaces," the Met Office said.

The organisation, and the police, have recommended leaving extra time for journeys.

A yellow weather warning was in place in counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry and Tyrone until 10:00 on Thursday.

Weather from the Arctic began moving into the British Isles at the beginning of the week.

Temperatures will likely climb later on Thursday but won't go any higher that 4-5C.

Bright spells on Thursday will likely be broken by further showers from the north which will merge into longer spells of sleet and snow later in the day.

In the Republic of Ireland heavy snow fell in many parts of the country overnight as Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings came into effect at midnight.

A Status Orange warning for snow and ice is in effect for counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Galway until midday on Thursday.

An Orange warning for snow and rain is in place for counties Cork and Waterford.

A Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning is in place until midday with temperatures set to drop to about -4C.

The heavy snow has made it difficult for local authority crews to clear and grit roads throughout the night.

A number of road traffic incidents have taken place causing road closures across the country.

Bus Éireann have cancelled some services due to the weather.

Thousands of people are without power in Galway and Mayo due to snow, ice and lightning causing a number of lines to trip.

In some areas schools have chosen to open late as a precaution.

A yellow warning is used by the Met Office to indicate that weather conditions are likely to cause some low-level traffic disruption and serves as a precautionary measure.

When a yellow warning is issued for ice it is to advise people to be aware of the potential for icy surfaces and to take ware when travelling.

The Met Office has said it is safer not to drive in icy conditions, but has recommend a number of precautions that drivers should take it if is necessary:

• Looking well ahead for potential hazards and keep your speed down
• Accelerating, braking, steering and changing gear as smoothly as possible to reduce the risk of a skid
• Using a higher gear may be more appropriate to help grip on packed ice
• Using a higher gear helps manage engine power making it easier to find traction