Motorists in Northern Ireland left stranded by snow drifts and drivers advised not to travel on roads.
In Northern Ireland, counties Antrim and Down were badly affected by snow. In the hills around Belfast, snow drifts were up to 3 metres deep. Many roads leading to mountain villages were blocked.
Several motorists were forced to abandon their cars.
Some motorists found shelter in surrounding farmhouses, others were trapped in their cars overnight. One man from the city spent 11 hours in his car. With temperatures below freezing point, he managed to stay warm by wrapping himself in polythene.
Several people had to be rescued from snow drifts. The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) mountain rescue team used snow ploughs to bring 19 people to safety.
Gale force winds brought down powerlines causing blackouts in many areas. Snow drifts hampered the work of electricity service repair crews.
More snow and sleet are forecast. Motorists are advised not to make unnecessary journeys.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 February 1985. The reporter is Michael Fisher.
