Northern Ireland

Amber weather warning in place in parts of Northern Ireland

 Deer at the Mount Panther estate in Co Down. Picture by Mal McCann
 Deer at the Mount Panther estate in Co Down. Picture by Mal McCann  Deer at the Mount Panther estate in Co Down. Picture by Mal McCann

Around 250 schools have been closed across Northern Ireland due to adverse weather conditions.

Snow has also affected a number of flights into and out of Belfast International and the George Best Belfast City Airport with cancellations and delays on routes to and from Scotland and the south of England.

All flights from Dublin Airport will be suspended from 3-4pm today.

Public transport operator Translink has reported a number of delays to bus and rail services.

While cross-border bus and train services have also been impacted.

The border counties of Armagh and Down have been worst affected with some of the main roads including the M1 motorway reduced to one lane in parts.

"Driving conditions in counties Armagh and Down are particularly difficult and we are focusing most of our efforts in those areas at present," said Simon Wells from the Roads Service.

Snow blowers and ploughs are on standby in case conditions deteriorate further, Mr Wells added.

A yellow weather warning has been put in place with further snow showers accompanied by very low temperatures forecast from Thursday and into the weekend.

In the Republic a red weather warning has been put in place with people told not to leave their home after 4pm.

The Simon Community appealed to people who are at risk of homelessness to contact its free helpline 0800 1712222.

If you are concerned about anyone sleeping rough in Belfast The Welcome Organisation's street outreach team can be contacted on 07894 931 047

In Belfast, the Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall have postponed a number of shows and gigs over the coming days. Full details can be found here.