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Motorists warned of icy weather Motorists warned of icy weather
(10 minutes later)
A severe weather warning is in place for motorists in Northern Ireland as the cold spell continues to make driving conditions treacherous.A severe weather warning is in place for motorists in Northern Ireland as the cold spell continues to make driving conditions treacherous.
Rain, sleet and snow fell overnight on already-icy roads and pavements, and overnight temperatures plunged to -5 C in rural areas.Rain, sleet and snow fell overnight on already-icy roads and pavements, and overnight temperatures plunged to -5 C in rural areas.
Colin Brown from the Roads Service said ice-free roads could not be guaranteed.Colin Brown from the Roads Service said ice-free roads could not be guaranteed.
"The difficulty we have is rain. It can affect the amount of salt we put down and the effect it has on it," he said."The difficulty we have is rain. It can affect the amount of salt we put down and the effect it has on it," he said.
"Just be very wary. Motorists at all times should be appreciative that conditions change and they change very quickly.""Just be very wary. Motorists at all times should be appreciative that conditions change and they change very quickly."
Snow could disrupt rush-hour traffic, and the weather warning is in place until 1200 GMT on Tuesday.Snow could disrupt rush-hour traffic, and the weather warning is in place until 1200 GMT on Tuesday.
Some schools have closed because of the weather.Some schools have closed because of the weather.
Blackwater Integrated in Downpatrick is closed due to heating difficulties, Dundonald High School in Belfast has closed because of a burst water main and a burst pipe has led to the closure of Lisnagarvey High School in Lisburn.Blackwater Integrated in Downpatrick is closed due to heating difficulties, Dundonald High School in Belfast has closed because of a burst water main and a burst pipe has led to the closure of Lisnagarvey High School in Lisburn.
Donaghey Primary School, near Dungannon, will also be closed on Tuesday.
Causeway closedCauseway closed
On Monday, icy weather forced the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to shut.On Monday, icy weather forced the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to shut.
In Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, parents have been urged to prevent their children from playing on a frozen lake.In Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, parents have been urged to prevent their children from playing on a frozen lake.
Police in the area issued a warning after officers spotted footprints and bicycle tracks on and around the Round Lake in the village.Police in the area issued a warning after officers spotted footprints and bicycle tracks on and around the Round Lake in the village.
The Giant's Causeway has been closed because of the weatherThe Giant's Causeway has been closed because of the weather
"While playing on the frozen surface may seem like a novelty, the risks shouldn't be underestimated," a police spokeswoman said."While playing on the frozen surface may seem like a novelty, the risks shouldn't be underestimated," a police spokeswoman said.
"There is no uniformity in the formation of ice and while it may seem sturdy and able to support weight, it can become very thin very quickly.""There is no uniformity in the formation of ice and while it may seem sturdy and able to support weight, it can become very thin very quickly."
PaymentsPayments
As the icy conditions continue, the government announced it would make a second round of cold weather payments.As the icy conditions continue, the government announced it would make a second round of cold weather payments.
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said on Monday that an additional £25 would be paid automatically to about 166,000 people on low incomes to help with heating costs.Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said on Monday that an additional £25 would be paid automatically to about 166,000 people on low incomes to help with heating costs.
Anyone in the agricultural industry who needs urgent help is being asked to contact the Roads Service.Anyone in the agricultural industry who needs urgent help is being asked to contact the Roads Service.
Last month was the coldest December in almost 30 years, according to readings taken at the Armagh Observatory.Last month was the coldest December in almost 30 years, according to readings taken at the Armagh Observatory.
The mean temperature was 1.5 C, the coldest average measurement since 1981.The mean temperature was 1.5 C, the coldest average measurement since 1981.
However, December was sunnier and drier than normal with 53.3 hours of sunshine, about 40% more than normal for the time of the year.However, December was sunnier and drier than normal with 53.3 hours of sunshine, about 40% more than normal for the time of the year.