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NI gripped by big winter freeze NI gripped by big winter freeze
(20 minutes later)
Northern Ireland is in the grip of a winter freeze after heavy snowfalls with predictions of more on the way.Northern Ireland is in the grip of a winter freeze after heavy snowfalls with predictions of more on the way.
The Met Office has said up to 5cm of snow will fall in the next few hours.The Met Office has said up to 5cm of snow will fall in the next few hours.
Counties Armagh, Antrim, Down and Londonderry have been particularly affected and police have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution.Counties Armagh, Antrim, Down and Londonderry have been particularly affected and police have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution.
Bus services have also been suspended in several areas including Newcastle, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick, Newry, Banbridge and Portaferrry.Bus services have also been suspended in several areas including Newcastle, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick, Newry, Banbridge and Portaferrry.
Meanwhile, electiricity has been restored to 5,000 homes in Lisburn. Meanwhile, 9,000 homes in Newcastle have been left without electricity after lightning struck a generator. Power has been restored to 5,000 households in Lisburn which had been affected earlier.
Motorists have been urged to exercise cautionMotorists have been urged to exercise caution
The power cut was thought to have been caused by a lightning strike at a power generator.
Weather experts say the snow has been caused by cold air from the Continent meeting rain over the North Sea.Weather experts say the snow has been caused by cold air from the Continent meeting rain over the North Sea.
You can send your weather pictures to nipics@bbc.co.uk. Read the terms and conditions You can send your weather pictures to nipics@bbc.co.uk. Read the terms and conditions