NORTHERN IRELAND:MORE THAN 700 schools in the North were closed, flights from three airports suspended and massive disruption to road and rail transport caused by snowfalls described yesterday by meteorologists as the most severe in 25 years.
Prison visits, hospital appointments, sports meetings and a host of other events were called off because of heavy falls which began late on Thursday and continued overnight and yesterday.
All areas of Ulster were badly affected making the situation the most severe in a generation. Conditions were made worse by strong north to northwesterly winds which caused drifting in exposed areas.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service cancelled most non-emergency hospital procedures and a host of other severe weather measures were put in place.
Conor Murphy, the Minister responsible for roads in Northern Ireland, called on householders to help clear the areas in front of their homes, advising they would likely not be held liable if pedestrians fell on cleared pavements.
Main roads were all maintained by gritting lorries and were reported to be passable with extreme care. Motorists were strongly advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
The main Dublin to Belfast road was treated but was treacherous. A section of the M1 was closed for a time yesterday morning. The Belfast to Derry road over the Glenshane Pass was also kept open but motorists suffered significant delays. Minor roads, however, were in a much worse state and drivers were encouraged to avoid them if possible.
Roads Service spokesman Colin Brown said: “The roads are being heavily and continuously salted. The extreme amount of snow has made it very difficult to keep the main roads open, but we are putting a huge amount of effort into keeping the main routes passable.”
In Belfast, a delegation of city councillors met the Roads Service to request supplies of grit for local communities to treat streets in residential areas.
Translink, which operates public transport services, withdrew many rural services in an effort to concentrate on those using main routes.
Train services were also affected but not as seriously as buses. Belfast International Airport, City Of Derry airport and Belfast City Airport were all closed for a time yesterday.
The city airport was reopened for a time but was forced to close a second time. Intending travellers were advised to contact their airline before leaving for the airport over this weekend.
All weekend rugby fixtures in Northern Ireland have been called off as have some Irish League soccer matches. Downpatrick races in Co Down were called off yesterday.