Key Highlights
- Met Office yellow weather warning remains in place for four Welsh regions.
- Schools have been shut due to heavy snow and poor driving conditions.
- Road closures and train disruptions reported across multiple counties in Wales.
- National Grid engineers working on power cut in Carmarthen, SA33 area.
Live Snow and Ice Updates as Welsh Police Issue Travel Warning
The weather situation in Wales is worsening with a Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice that remains in place until midnight tonight. This alert covers four regions: Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea.
Travel Warnings and Road Conditions
Dyfed Powys Police have advised drivers in Cardigan to only travel if absolutely necessary due to hazardous conditions on the roads. The A40 westbound has been closed between the B4312 (Johnstown) and B4298 (Bancyfelin). Meanwhile, the A55 eastbound is partially blocked from junction 37 Whitley Drive (Broughton Shopping Park, Bretton) to junction 38 A483 Wrexham Road (Posthouse roundabout, Belgrave).
The A478 in Pembrokeshire has been closed due to snow both ways between Broom Lane (Begelly) and Mill Pond Road (Narberth).
In Carmarthenshire, the A40 is also closed from The B4312 (Johnstown) to The B4298 (Bancyfelin).
The A55 eastbound in Flintshire has been fully blocked due to an accident. At junction 37, there are long delays. Additionally, the A477 in Carmarthenshire is closed between Llanddowror and Red Roses due to recovery work and earlier weather conditions.
School Closures
Heavy snow has led to school closures across several counties in Wales. In Pembrokeshire, 31 schools have been shut as of Thursday morning, while 13 schools in Carmarthenshire are also closed. The list includes:
- Beca (Efailwen, Clunderwen, SA66 7UX)
- Bro Brynach (Llanboidy, Hendygwyn/Whitland SA34 0EL)
- Dyffryn Taf (North Road, Whitland, SA33 4BT)
These closures are due to both travel conditions and staff shortages. The Pembrokeshire County Council website lists these schools along with additional notes explaining the reasons for closure.
Railway Disruptions
The railway system is also experiencing disruptions. Due to a points failure at Whitland, some train lines are blocked between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock/Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour. Train services running through this station may be canceled, delayed or revised until 12 noon.
- Disruption is expected until 12 noon
- Routes affected: Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock / Milford Haven / Fishguard Harbour
In Carmarthenshire, due to a points failure at Cadoxton, all lines are blocked.
As a result, trains running between Bridgend and Cardiff Central may be canceled or delayed by up to 15 minutes, while services between Barry Island and Cardiff Central may also experience disruptions. Trains running between Penarth and Cardiff Central are not affected.
Additionally, there is a power cut in the SA33 area of Carmarthen, with National Grid engineers working on it and estimated restoration by 9 AM.
Met Office Forecast
The Met Office has issued a weather forecast for Wales today. It predicts a chilly start with widespread frost and ice. In the east, there will be largely fine and dry conditions with plenty of sunny intervals.
Showers are expected in the west, which may become wintry at times with further sleet and snow, particularly on hills.
Brisk northerly winds are forecast, with a maximum temperature of 7°C.
A rare ‘thundersnow’ warning has been issued by the Met Office. This phenomenon is expected to impact parts of Northern Ireland but also has a chance in west Wales and the east and south-west of England.
For those traveling today, the Met Office advises taking extra time for journeys and slowing down due to poor road conditions. Tips for defrosting car windshields are available online from motoring experts.
The latest updates on travel warnings, school closures, and railway disruptions can be found on local news websites and social media platforms.
