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NI gripped by big winter freeze NI gripped by big winter freeze
(10 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.
Counties Armagh, Antrim, Down and Londonderry have been particularly affected and police have urged motorists to drive carefully.Counties Armagh, Antrim, Down and Londonderry have been particularly affected and police have urged motorists to drive carefully.
Meanwhile, 9,000 homes in Newcastle are without electricity, but power has been restored to 5,000 households in Lisburn which had been affected earlier.Meanwhile, 9,000 homes in Newcastle are without electricity, but power has been restored to 5,000 households in Lisburn which had been affected earlier.
The cut is thought to have been caused by a lightning strike at a generator. The Met Office has said up to 5cm of snow will fall in the next few hours.
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.
Motorists have been urged to exercise cautionMotorists have been urged to exercise caution
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.
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