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Storm Bella winds give way to snow and ice warning

Walkers enjoyed the snowy scene on Divis and Black Mountain overlooking Belfast

Winds of almost 60mph (96km/h) have been recorded as Storm Bella moves across Northern Ireland.

But Northern Ireland missed the worst of the conditions that have rattled England and Wales, with strong winds giving way to warnings of ice and snow.

Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing on Sunday night after a prolonged batch of sleet and snow.

Pacemaker A father, his son and their two dogs walking in the snow on Slemish MountainPacemaker
Only the bravest dogs ventured out into the snow on Slemish Mountain near Broughshane

A Met Office snow and ice warning is in force until Sunday 15:00 GMT and again from 18:00 until Monday morning.

Sleet and snow is expected to move in from the north on Sunday evening as the second Met Office warning comes into force.

PAcemaker Two girls throw snowballs on Slemish MountainPAcemaker
Throwing snowballs on Slemish was the perfect way for these girls to spend the day

That will be followed by clear spells overnight when temperatures will widely drop to between 1C and -2C with lows of -4C in sheltered rural areas.

Met Éireann, the Irish weather service, has issued a snow and ice warning for the northwest as Storm Bella leaves hundreds without power in the Republic of Ireland.

The wind warning in Northern Ireland has lapsed after gusts reached 59mph (95km/h) at Castlederg in County Tyrone and Katesbridge in County Down late on Boxing Day.

Douglas Cecil Waves crashing against the rocks near a small lighthouse on Rathlin IslandDouglas Cecil
Storm Bella caused strong winds and crashing waves on Rathlin Island

A colder airmass is likely to bring treacherous icy conditions as bands of wintry showers are moving through, bringing a mix of sleet and snow for many.

Heavier showers are expected to bring snow temporarily down to low levels although settling snow is still most likely on the hills.

The cold snap is expected to stay across Northern Ireland this week with blustery northerly winds bringing sunny spells, further wintry showers and frost and ice at night.

There should be fewer showers and more sunny spells on Thursday and Friday, with less wind but daytime highs are expected to reach only mid single figures.