Schools closed as frost and ice add to traffic woe round Lisburn

A number of schools have closed on Tuesday as the wintry weather has continued to grip.

Traffic ground almost to a halt on some roads on Monday evening as heavy snow made the journey home a nightmare for many.

During the evening rush hour journeys which would normally have taken minutes were taking more than two hours.

Traffic in the city centre was at a standstill with commuters stuck in long tailbacks.

The snow started to fall just after lunchtime and quickly led to tailbacks, even on the major routes.

Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove was closed on Monday afternoon. It re-opened on Monday evening, but delays have continued as other airports across the UK have also been affected.

Environment Minister Poots issued a warning to all road users to take extra care in the icy conditions.

With temperatures set to stay below freezing across many parts, driving conditions will remain treacherous.

Mr Poots said: "Snow, ice and fog make driving increasingly dangerous. When weather conditions are this unpredictable, we all face extra demands on our vehicle and our driving skills.

"But with a little common sense these dangers can be kept to a minimum. Be prepared for treacherous roads. Slow down to adjust to the conditions.

"The brutal reality of road death is that normality can turn to tragedy in an instant. We cannot become complacent. If you make a mistake – it could cost you or another innocent road user their life."

Do you have any photos of the snow? Send them to [email protected]