Big Freeze Chills Tyrone To -14C

Parts of Northern Ireland have recorded their lowest temperatures in ten years overnight, with Castlederg in Co Tyrone dipping to -14.5C.

The big freeze has also seen the second of this winter's cold weather payments being made, having been triggered following the continued drop in temperatures.

NI Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, said: "This latest round of payments is very timely and brings the total amount of payments made so far to £3.2m."

The areas affected are covered by the Met Office's Aldergrove, Ballykelly, Katesbridge and St Angelo (Enniskillen) weather stations.

The postcode areas eligible are: BT24-34, 39-46, 47-49, 51-57, 74-77, 80 and 92-94 - resulting in a further £1.82m paid to people who qualify for the big freeze payment.

At the same time, almost half of all schools in Northern Ireland were closed due to hazardous weather conditions and while City of Derry airport remained closed to all flights - they have now resumed at Belfast International.

Over 600 primary and post-primary schools were closed on Tuesday, after heavy snow falls had brought many parts of Northern Ireland to a standstill on Monday.

The MET office has now issued another severe weather warning, with more snow forecast throughout the day.

Driving conditions remain poor in some areas, even on the salted network with some main roads still having a covering of compacted snow or slush, but all main through routes appear to be passable with care.

However, drivers are advised to exercise caution as ice forms across the road network.

Translink services are largely operating as normal with bus and rail services returning to normal schedule.

(BMcC/KMcA)