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Flood fears follow snow gridlock Road flooding after snow gridlock
(10 minutes later)
The weather is continuing to cause disruption across Northern Ireland, with reports of flooding in the aftermath of the snow.The weather is continuing to cause disruption across Northern Ireland, with reports of flooding in the aftermath of the snow.
Commuters travelling into Belfast faced large tailbacks amid efforts to clear overnight snowfalls. Up to 16cm of snow fell in some areas and commuters faced long tailbacks amid efforts to clear roads in Belfast.
Several schools were closed and some prison visits cancelled. Buses were suspended in some areas. However, severe flooding caused by a rapid thaw has led to road closures in east Belfast and north Down.
Transport Minister Conor Murphy said more than 140 gritter drivers were at work trying to clear roads. Northern Ireland Electricity revealed more than 26,000 households had their power supplies affected by the weather.
He said roads would continue to be gritted until the conditions improved. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Conor Murphy has defended claims that some areas were not gritted.
"Roads Service crews and staff have made a huge effort to clear the snow," he said. He said more than 140 gritter drivers were out at work trying to clear the roads.
A motorist braved the elements in County AntrimA motorist braved the elements in County Antrim
He said initial warnings from the Met Office forecast light snow flurries, but that more than 100mm of snow fell in many places.He said initial warnings from the Met Office forecast light snow flurries, but that more than 100mm of snow fell in many places.
"A fleet of salting lorries was deployed across Northern Ireland from three o'clock onwards yesterday," he said."A fleet of salting lorries was deployed across Northern Ireland from three o'clock onwards yesterday," he said.
"Initially gritters were spreading salt, but as the evening progressed snow blades were used to clear roads where the snow was deep."Initially gritters were spreading salt, but as the evening progressed snow blades were used to clear roads where the snow was deep.
"Crews worked continuously through the night, clearing snow and applying salt.""Crews worked continuously through the night, clearing snow and applying salt."
The DoE Roads Service said all roads were passable with care. The police have also urged caution.The DoE Roads Service said all roads were passable with care. The police have also urged caution.
Several schools were closed and some prison visits cancelled. Buses were suspended in some areas.
Daniel and Anna Lindsay enjoy the snow in Waringstown, County DownDaniel and Anna Lindsay enjoy the snow in Waringstown, County Down
Meanwhile, the George Best City Airport has re-opened after being closed for a time, but most departing flights are experiencing delays.Meanwhile, the George Best City Airport has re-opened after being closed for a time, but most departing flights are experiencing delays.
A number of incoming flights have also been cancelled.A number of incoming flights have also been cancelled.
Belfast International Airport is operational but is experiencing severe delays.Belfast International Airport is operational but is experiencing severe delays.
Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.
Belfast Zoo is also closed.Belfast Zoo is also closed.
Counties Armagh, Antrim, Down and Londonderry were worst affected by the much heavier than anticipated fall of snow.Counties Armagh, Antrim, Down and Londonderry were worst affected by the much heavier than anticipated fall of snow.
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.
The Met Office said that there would be rain on Friday night with scattered showers on Saturday.The Met Office said that there would be rain on Friday night with scattered showers on Saturday.
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