Ulster's clash against Welsh-side Scarlets has been called off due to a severely water-logged pitch.

Following an inspection carried out by referee, Leighton Hodges, the RaboDirect Pro12 was cancelled due to the effects of the continued heavy rain.

It's not yet clear when the game will be rescheduled.

Wind, rain and snow continues to batter Northern Ireland on 'Ferocious Friday.

And while Northern Ireland has got off lightly - so far - compared to the havoc wreaked in the Republic and in England and Wales, the rainfall levels continue to rise.

A number of roads have been closed due to flooding across the region, while motorists have been asked to avoid the Glenshane Pass as poor driving conditions have caused long tailbacks.

Police have also appealed for all drivers to use caution.

"Exercise caution, slow down, use your dipped headlights and keep a safe distance from the car in front," a spokesman said.

Paddy Jackson - who scored his first try for Ireland last weekend - had been set to start for Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday.

His inclusion was one of four personnel and three positional changes to the side that defeated Ospreys at home last weekend.

Belfast Telegraph