Yellow ice warning issued as Storm Chandra multi-agency response continues
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Met Office has issued a further yellow weather warning for ice across Northern Ireland, as multi-agency partners continue to meet in response to Storm Chandra and its ongoing impacts.
The warning is in place from 03:00 to 10:00 on Wednesday 28 January 2026, with all counties affected.
Forecasters have warned that clearing skies overnight on Tuesday will allow temperatures to fall below freezing, increasing the risk of icy conditions following several days of heavy rainfall.
Icy patches are expected to develop on untreated surfaces, particularly during the morning commute, potentially leading to further disruption on already challenging roads.
The latest alert comes as emergency services, infrastructure operators and government agencies remain on high alert following rain and strong winds that have already resulted in flooded roads and fallen trees in some areas across Northern Ireland.
An amber wind warning remains valid from 05:00 to 21:00 on Tuesday for counties Antrim, Down and Derry, while a yellow warning for rain and wind is in place across all counties from 00:01 to 23:59.
With caution advised, authorities have warned the public to expect disruption across transport, utilities and coastal areas. Road users are being urged to consider whether journeys are necessary, allow extra travel time and drive with care due to surface water, debris and the possibility of ice forming overnight.
Emergency planners have highlighted a very likely chance of power cuts, with the potential for mobile phone coverage to be affected, alongside risks from flying debris and damage to buildings, particularly roof tiles and trees brought down by strong winds.
Public transport services are also under pressure. A number of rail services are currently suspended and will be reinstated when it is safe to do so, while bus services are experiencing delays, with passengers advised to check updates on the Translink website.
Maritime disruption continues, with the Rathlin Island ferry service cancelled for all of Tuesday, and updates expected regarding Wednesday. The Strangford Lough Ferry Service is also cancelled, although crews remain on site and services will resume once conditions improve, with updates provided via SMS and VMS.
Communities in coastal areas have been warned to take extra care, as large waves and beach material may be thrown about, posing a risk to public safety.
Inland, river levels remain high and are expected to increase further as recent rainfall continues to move through the system. Water levels in Lough Neagh and Lough Erne are forecast to rise for the remainder of the week, with Rivers staff continuing to monitor conditions, attend drainage infrastructure and respond to calls to the Flooding Incident Line.
Despite the challenging conditions, DVA test centres remain open and operating as normal.
Emergency services are urging the public to stay informed and take weather warnings seriously, particularly with the added risk of ice developing overnight.
Advice and updates on weather warnings are available from the Met Office, while up-to-date traffic information can be found at Traffic Watch NI.
For electricity concerns, the public is advised to contact NIE on 03457 643 643. Flooding incidents should be reported to the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100. In an emergency, people are reminded to always call 999.
Coastal safety advice during or after storms is available from HM Coastguard at:
Further information on strong winds and heavy rain can be found via nidirect: