Weather alert: Northern Ireland faces snow and deep freeze temperatures

The cold weather front from Siberia, dubbed the Beast from the East, has brought sub-zero temperatures, with snow showers and high winds forecast. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning until midnight on Saturday, with heavy snow showers expected throughout.

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This includes the potential for travel delays on roads, with some stranded vehicles expected, while passengers could be hit by delays or cancellations to rail travel.

Power cuts and disruption to other services like mobile phone signals are possible, while school closures and flight cancellations are also likely.

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Mary Carey is emergency planner for the Public Health Agency. She cautioned: "For some people the onset of the cold weather can bring particular hazards.

"Vulnerable and older people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated, putting them at risk."

She continued: "The icy weather can also present problems for people with reduced mobility.

"Every year in Northern Ireland, one in three over-65s and around half of over-85s will fall at least once, and for many this can mean spending extended time in hospital, which can have a long-term impact on independence."

Ms Carey urged carers and neighbours of older people to offer a hand ahead of the worst of the cold snap, such as picking up essentials like food, gas or electricity top-ups, and repeat prescriptions, for them.

"This will reduce the need to go out during the cold weather and cut the risk of falls and injuries," Ms Carey explained.

Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin has also called on parishioners to be vigilant for the vulnerable during extreme weather.

"The weather forecast for the coming days is expected to be exceptionally cold and to include a significant snowfall," he said.

"This bad weather will affect and frighten many people across our country. Some will be afraid because they are alone, elderly, suffer from underlying medical conditions, while others will be cold and hungry. They may be too proud to admit their vulnerability."

He added:"Parishes are at their strongest when they support their weakest."

Meanwhile, the Department of Infrastructure has said it's fully prepared to keep traffic moving on Northern Ireland's roads throughout the week.

Around 300 staff and 130 gritters will be available to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely.