There are fears that the ‘Beast from the East’ will potentially bring the coldest weather since 1991 as temperatures barely rose above freezing yesterday (Tuesday) with small hail showers in Enniskillen in the afternoon. 

 Storm Emma is set to bring the wintery showers to Fermanagh towards the end of the week as a yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place for Friday and Saturday.

  Heavy snowfall, a heavy frost and blizzard like conditions are all expected with the risk of weather warnings increasing over the next few days. 

The Department for Infrastructure’s winter safety service is ready to keep people moving as gritters are prepared to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely.

Due to the adverse weather conditions already experienced throughout this Winter, 86,000 tonnes of salt has been spread on the North’s roads and a further 60,000 tonnes is stockpiled and ready for use during this cold spell.

Motorists are advised to take extra precautions to ensure that they arrive at their destination safely with heavy snowfall expected to make travelling dangerous, particularly on secondary and back roads.

The public are being advised check in on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours and take all necessary precautions to protect their property during the adverse weather conditions. 

If the severe weather does hit, schools may be forced to close, and events may be cancelled as a safety precaution. The ICTU Women’s Conference 2018 which was due to take place at the Killyhevlin Hotel on Thursday and Friday this week, March 1st and 2nd has been cancelled while sporting events over the next few days may also be a doubt. 

Farmers and pet owners are also warned to look out for their animals, and bring them inside to ensure they are safe as the temperatures plummet. 

With the risk of travel disruption later in the week, advice and useful numbers on what to do in the event of an emergency are available at nidirect.gov.uk/snow-ice