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Severn bridge ice falls close M4 Severn bridge ice falls close M4
(21 minutes later)
Both Severn bridges have been closed after five car windscreens were smashed by sheets of falling ice on the M4.Both Severn bridges have been closed after five car windscreens were smashed by sheets of falling ice on the M4.
Metre square sheets of thawing ice are reported to have fallen from overhead gantry signs onto vehicles using the second Severn crossing at 1000 GMT.Metre square sheets of thawing ice are reported to have fallen from overhead gantry signs onto vehicles using the second Severn crossing at 1000 GMT.
The Highways Agency expects the bridges to remain shut for "safety reasons" for two hours with M4 traffic being diverted onto the M5, M50 and A449. The Highways Agency said the bridges would remain shut for "safety reasons" for at least two hours with M4 traffic being diverted via the M5 and M50.
National Express turned around coaches and suspended services east of Swansea.National Express turned around coaches and suspended services east of Swansea.
Meanwhile, more than 300 schools are closed across Wales.Meanwhile, more than 300 schools are closed across Wales.
Four inches of snow fell in Powys and the A470 is shut between Merthyr and Brecon. Drivers are urged to take care.Four inches of snow fell in Powys and the A470 is shut between Merthyr and Brecon. Drivers are urged to take care.
Motorists wanting to use the Severn crossings eastbound have been diverted off the M4 via junction 24 on the A449 Raglan following through to the A40 Monmouth, to join the M50 at Ross-on-Wye then to use the and M5.Motorists wanting to use the Severn crossings eastbound have been diverted off the M4 via junction 24 on the A449 Raglan following through to the A40 Monmouth, to join the M50 at Ross-on-Wye then to use the and M5.
Westbound M4 traffic is also being diverted via the M5, M50 and Ross and Monmouth.Westbound M4 traffic is also being diverted via the M5, M50 and Ross and Monmouth.
'Safety hazard''Safety hazard'
Jim Clune, general manager of Severn River Crossing PLC, said sheets of ice up to a metre square had fallen from overhead sign gantries and smashed the windscreens of five vehicles.Jim Clune, general manager of Severn River Crossing PLC, said sheets of ice up to a metre square had fallen from overhead sign gantries and smashed the windscreens of five vehicles.
He said: "The situation is that bridge closures have been requested because there were reports of sheets of ice falling from overhead sign gantries and smashing car windscreens.He said: "The situation is that bridge closures have been requested because there were reports of sheets of ice falling from overhead sign gantries and smashing car windscreens.
"It's very much a safety hazard and of course these gantries span all carriageways on the motorways."It's very much a safety hazard and of course these gantries span all carriageways on the motorways.
There were no reports of injuries.There were no reports of injuries.
Mr Clune said the incident was "very unusual" and said it was the first time the Second Severn Crossing, which opened in 1996, had closed because of the weather.Mr Clune said the incident was "very unusual" and said it was the first time the Second Severn Crossing, which opened in 1996, had closed because of the weather.
Both bridges have been closed at the same time once before - due to a chemical incident at Avonmouth.Both bridges have been closed at the same time once before - due to a chemical incident at Avonmouth.
"We are in constant contact with the Highways Agency to see what we can do to alleviate the situation as soon as possible," Mr Clune said."We are in constant contact with the Highways Agency to see what we can do to alleviate the situation as soon as possible," Mr Clune said.
Meanwhile, the M4 between Junctions 22 and 25 is described as "hazardous". One lane is closed in both directions on that stretch of the motorway and a 30mph speed limit is in place.Meanwhile, the M4 between Junctions 22 and 25 is described as "hazardous". One lane is closed in both directions on that stretch of the motorway and a 30mph speed limit is in place.
The A4061 at Treorchy and Hirwaun is also closed as is the A4067 Sennybridge to Ystradgynlais road.The A4061 at Treorchy and Hirwaun is also closed as is the A4067 Sennybridge to Ystradgynlais road.
Police said the A465 Heads of the Valley Road is "just passable" in both directions between A469 (Rhymney) and A4060 (Dowlais Roundabout).Police said the A465 Heads of the Valley Road is "just passable" in both directions between A469 (Rhymney) and A4060 (Dowlais Roundabout).
First Cymru warned of disruption to bus services, particularly in parts of south Wales.First Cymru warned of disruption to bus services, particularly in parts of south Wales.
In Swansea, it said there will be services on main roads only first thing and not including hilly areas.In Swansea, it said there will be services on main roads only first thing and not including hilly areas.
It said it was unable to operate to Glyncorrwg, Blaengwynfi, Cymer or Croeserw in the Afan Valley, and services from Port Talbot were going only as far as Cwmavon.It said it was unable to operate to Glyncorrwg, Blaengwynfi, Cymer or Croeserw in the Afan Valley, and services from Port Talbot were going only as far as Cwmavon.
Snow has caused problems in Powys and heads of the valleys in particularSnow has caused problems in Powys and heads of the valleys in particular
Flights were delayed for about two to three hours at Cardiff Airport earlier while the runway was cleared but the backlog is gradually clearing.Flights were delayed for about two to three hours at Cardiff Airport earlier while the runway was cleared but the backlog is gradually clearing.
Cardiff is also receiving a number of diverted flights from other airports, mainly easyJet planes which were unable to land at snow-bound Bristol Airport.Cardiff is also receiving a number of diverted flights from other airports, mainly easyJet planes which were unable to land at snow-bound Bristol Airport.
However, staff say they are not expecting anticipate any further delays or problems.However, staff say they are not expecting anticipate any further delays or problems.
BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said rugby fans driving to Scotland for the Six Nations match at Murrayfield on Sunday needed to be wary of icy roads.BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said rugby fans driving to Scotland for the Six Nations match at Murrayfield on Sunday needed to be wary of icy roads.
He said Friday afternoon would see sleet and snow in south east of Wales moving away, with the day becoming dry and brighter.He said Friday afternoon would see sleet and snow in south east of Wales moving away, with the day becoming dry and brighter.
There is likely to be the odd shower in the north and west for Pembrokeshire, the Lleyn Peninsula and Anglesey, he added.There is likely to be the odd shower in the north and west for Pembrokeshire, the Lleyn Peninsula and Anglesey, he added.
Overnight could also see wintry showers in the north and west but Saturday should have a mixture of sunny intervals and wintry showers.Overnight could also see wintry showers in the north and west but Saturday should have a mixture of sunny intervals and wintry showers.
Councils are also looking for more supplies of road salt.Councils are also looking for more supplies of road salt.
John Apsee, of the AA, said: "What we're concerned about is the grip on the road.John Apsee, of the AA, said: "What we're concerned about is the grip on the road.
"When the thaw starts, eventually, you will have patches of black ice, and unfortunately that can cause very serious accidents."When the thaw starts, eventually, you will have patches of black ice, and unfortunately that can cause very serious accidents.
"If you have got to go out, make sure yourself and the car is prepared for the journey, pack flask of hot tea or coffee if you've got to go out."If you have got to go out, make sure yourself and the car is prepared for the journey, pack flask of hot tea or coffee if you've got to go out.
"Check that vehicle over, make sure you've got screen wash in that windscreen washer bottle.""Check that vehicle over, make sure you've got screen wash in that windscreen washer bottle."
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said the Bwlch, Maerdy and Rhigos mountain roads remain closed on Friday because of the hazardous conditions.Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said the Bwlch, Maerdy and Rhigos mountain roads remain closed on Friday because of the hazardous conditions.
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