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Temperatures lowest for 70 years Cars stranded as weather worsens
(about 4 hours later)
Northern Ireland has been warned to brace itself for further snowfalls as temperatures dropped to their lowest October level for more than 70 years. Motorists in Northern Ireland have been advised to drive with caution following reports of heavy snow.
The Met Ofice said Tuesday's maximum daytime temperature was the lowest since 1934. Police said the worst affected roads were in counties Londonderry, Tyrone and Down.
Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry, Down and Tyrone will be the worst affected areas, with two to five centimetres of snow expected on low ground. Cars are stranded on the Glenshane Pass near Dungiven, however, it is said to be passable with care. Conditions are also bad on the M1 near Dungannon.
John Hammond of The Met Office said people should expect more bad weather. John Hammond of The Met Office said Northern Ireland has been experiencing its coldest October for many decades.
"Northern Ireland had its coldest weather for many decades over the last 24 hours," he said. He said Tuesday's maximum daytime temperature was the lowest since 1934.
"It will be cold and raw again today. People should take care and stay close to the weather forecasts.""It will be cold and raw again today. People should take care and stay close to the weather forecasts."
Driving conditions in the north-west were treacherous yesterday, with the Glenshane Pass particularly affected.
Colin Brown from the Roads Service said it had 120 gritters out to cover 7,000km of road in three hours.Colin Brown from the Roads Service said it had 120 gritters out to cover 7,000km of road in three hours.
"Without a shadow of a doubt the winter is upon us," he said."Without a shadow of a doubt the winter is upon us," he said.
READER'S SHOTS Snow flurries
He said that there have been instances of gritting in the run-up to Halloween in the past, but that this was the first instance he was aware of which involved the use of snow ploughs.He said that there have been instances of gritting in the run-up to Halloween in the past, but that this was the first instance he was aware of which involved the use of snow ploughs.
BBC weather presenter Cecilia Daly said that while Wednesday would start dry, cloud and rain would spread in from the west.
"The rain will turn to sleet and snow, especially in central and eastern areas with several centimetres of snow lying over some hills for a time and possibly at lower levels too," she said.
"The wintry mix will turn to rain later."