HEAVY SNOWFALL TRANSFORMS BOROUGH INTO A WINTER WONDERLAND
NEWTOWNABBEY became a winter wonderland this week as the borough was gripped by heavy snowfall.
For many the snow caused problems on the roads making the routine journey to work extremely difficult. But for some it was a time to enjoy the great outdoors, building snowmen and throwing the odd snow ball.
On Thursday morning (February 5), a thick blanket of the white stuff fell and lay on the majority of local areas. Glengormley's Hightown Road was impassable and drivers were urged to take extra care in the difficult conditions. Motorists were crawling bumper to bumper along Prince Charles Way and Carnmoney Road, while others chose to travel on foot.
It was a similar story on Friday morning as the winter weather continued to cause traffic disruption. By Saturday the plummeting temperatures saw the postponement of many sporting fixtures. More snow arrived on Sunday and many took advantage of a day off from work to enjoy the wintry conditions.
Hill Croft School in New Mossley found itself disrupted by the weather. Its pupils are driven to school on Education Board transport and, owing to the treacherous driving conditions, the school took the decision to close after a while on Thursday, and remained closed on Friday. Parents were also asked to make their own transport arrangement to bring their children to the school on Monday.
For Dr Who fans Denis Rush from Glengormley and Thomas Needham from Carrick, the snow was an opportunity to promote a charity event they are staging in May.
The pair sculpted an amazing 'snow dalek' in Carnmoney in a bid to raise awareness of a special fundraiser for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
"Its all happening on May 3 at Belfast's Europa Hotel when we will have cast members from Dr Who and Torchwood at the event to raise money for Horizon House," said Denis.
"Vortex will be a fun filled day and will be packed with autograph signings, photo sessions and Q&A talks with our guest actors from Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
"There will be a chance to take part in various activities throughout the day including our amazing prize draws, a charity auction in aid of the Hospice and a themed party in the evening where you can let your hair down and dance the night away.
As for the snow dalek, Denis said: "I think someone has exterminated it."
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Weather for Newtownabbey
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
