Snow and ice: Yellow weather warning issued for NI

Even a small amount of snow can lead to significant disruption

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for Northern Ireland.

It will be in place on Monday between 03:00 and 23:59 GMT and applies to all counties.

The Met Office says up to 5cm (2in) of snow is likely over higher routes "such as the Coleraine mountain road and Glenshane Pass".

At lower levels, a few cms can be expected, with northern counties set to see the more frequent showers.

Ice will be an additional hazard for all areas into the evening, the Met Office adds.

People have been advised to plan any driving routes, check for road closures and carry extra essentials in their vehicle, such as warm clothing, an ice scraper and a warning triangle.

A brisk northerly wind will develop on Sunday, bringing Arctic air southwards on Sunday night into Monday.

The Met Office said brisk northerly winds would drive showers well inland across Northern Ireland on Monday, with these initially falling as snow over higher ground and sleet and rain elsewhere.

"However, as increasingly cold air spreads south, showers will fall as snow to all levels by late morning on Monday."

The very cold weather is expected to persist for most of next week with a risk of wintry showers, ice, and temperatures below average by day and by night.

The wind will mean an added wind chill making it feel even colder than temperatures suggest.

Winds from the Arctic will bring some very cold weather to the UK early next week.

There will be some widespread frosts with temperatures as low as -10C in rural parts of the UK.