Bitterly cold winds and snow showers continued relentlessly yesterday. Snow fell in many parts but was particularly heavy in the north-east and the midlands, making conditions for motorists and farmers extremely difficult.
Some of the worst-affected areas close to the north coast had snowfalls up to four inches deep. Bad weather forced the cancellation of several sporting fixtures, and both of Belfast's airports were closed for a time yesterday morning.
A spokeswoman for Met Eireann said there was heavy snow in the north and the midlands during the morning, but most of it disappeared later in the day, except on high ground.
She said a polar airstream gripped the country, and more cold and windy weather was likely today, with severe frost during the night. Conditions would not be as bad as yesterday, but roads would be icy and motorists had been warned to drive with caution. There would be scattered wintry showers, some heavy and thundery in places.
Milder westerly winds are expected over the weekend, with temperatures returning to normal. But it will be wet.
Driving in the northern counties was hazardous yesterday. Several motorists had to abandon their cars at the Glenshane Pass on the main Belfast-Derry road, and some minor accidents were reported in Ballymena.
By early afternoon most of the roads were cleared, however, and the Met Office said the worst of the weather was over and temperatures would begin to rise.
Some suffered the icy conditions more than others as the electricity supply to some 1,000 households in north Down was cut off for more than five hours.
In sport, a First Division Irish League match between Bangor and Limavady was cancelled, as was the final stage of the Tour of the North cycling event in Ballymena, Co Antrim.