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Snow causes widespread disruption Snowfalls move north and turn icy
(30 minutes later)
Snow has fallen across large parts of Wales making travel conditions treacherous in many places and closing more than 700 schools. Freezing snow and ice is threatening to be the main hazard for drivers in Thursday's rush hour as the winter's first heavy snowfall melts away.
The Met Office issued a severe weather warning, saying some areas eventually could have up to 15cm (6in) of snow. Large areas of Wales were hit by up to 15cm (6in) of snow and almost 800 schools were closed on Thursday.
There was disruption to bus and train services and the temporary closure of Cardiff airport's runway, delaying Wales rugby fans' flights to Edinburgh. There was travel disruption on the roads and to bus and train services. Cardiff airport's runway was also shut.
Many roads have been closed amid warnings not to drive unless essential. The snow is heading north and the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen has already been closed by police.
The worst affected areas so far have been the south Wales valleys, parts of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion and the Brecon Beacons. The south Wales valleys, parts of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion and the Brecon Beacons were worst hit early on Thursday as a band of wintry weather moved in from the west.
Among the deepest snow recorded so far was at Sennybridge in the Brecon Beacons where 7cm (3in) fell and overnight temperatures plummeted to -4C (25F). Sennybridge in the Beacons was one of the worst places hit with 7cm (3in) of snow falling and overnight temperatures plummeted to -4C (25F).
Sledging fun because school is outSledging fun because school is out
Forecasters said conditions were expected to improve in south and west Wales, but the snow was worsening in north Wales, persisting into the evening. By midday most of the snow in the south was disappearing but the north of the country was still experiencing snow into the evening.
But some southern and western areas of Wales, including parts of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen Bay, Swansea and Gower escaped the snow. BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said the worst of the snow was now over, although more could follow at the weekend.
BBC Wales forecaster Derek Brockway said ice would increasingly become a problem. He warned the main problem on Thursday evening would be slush and water on the roads freezing over.
He said: "There will be more snow falling in mid and north Wales and in some areas it could reach 10-15cm (4-6in) drifting on higher ground. "The main hazard at the moment is going to be with the ice," he said.
"In the south and south west the situation is improving with conditions becoming milder. "Temperatures are going to be below freezing in many areas.
"Ice is likely to be a problem in many areas overnight." "There's a lot of water and slush around so that will freeze and it's going to be a tricky rush hour in many areas.
Aberystwyth woke up to a covering of snowAberystwyth woke up to a covering of snow
He also warned of a possibility of further snow late on Friday, mainly on higher ground above 200m (656ft) but affected some areas of lower ground. "The first of the snow is over for the time being but it looks like there will be more rain and snow for some at the weekend."
Gwent and South Wales Police used 4x4 vehicles rather than normal patrol cars. Thursday's first real winter snowfalls had been signalled by the Met Office which issued a severe weather warning.
Gwent Police said the Caerphilly area was the worst affected in their force area, but most major roads were passable. In response many schools decided to close to pupils beforehand giving them a chance to try out their sledging skills.
The Dyfed-Powys force said most roads were treacherous but most passable with care. On some roads snow drifts reached 10ft while in the south Wales valleys towns looked more like Alpine resorts.
In Merthyr Tydfil, Prince Charles Hospital had to cancel non-urgent operations - while a mountain rescue team in a Land-Rover had to be called in to help one ambulance crew whose vehicle could not cope with the conditions.
The weather was also causing problems for farmers already facing an early lambing season this year.
Even Cardiff, which often escapes the snow, was blanketed
In Monmouthshire around 800 homes were without electricity for a while as snow damaged power lines while Denbighshire Council had to suspend the meals on wheels services because of the adverse conditions.
Rugby fans hoping to fly to Scotland for this weekend's Six Nations match were delayed at Bristol, Birmingham and at Cardiff, where the runway was also temporarily closed.
Motoring organisations advised people travelling by car to take warm clothes, food, water, a torch and a spade in case of a breakdown.Motoring organisations advised people travelling by car to take warm clothes, food, water, a torch and a spade in case of a breakdown.
Train disruption was expected and there were numerous flight delays and cancellations at Cardiff International Airport, where the runway was temporarily closed, before reopening late on Thursday morning.
A spokesman said two flights were cancelled - KLM flights to Amsterdam and an Air South West flight to Manchester - with other flights delayed including three rugby charter flights taking fans to Edinburgh for Saturday's Scotland v Wales international.
The south Wales valleys were among the worst-hit areas
The spokesman added: "Our advice is do turn up and allow plenty of time for the journey."
Arriva Trains Wales said it had allocated extra train and staff resources but warned passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.Arriva Trains Wales said it had allocated extra train and staff resources but warned passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.
Virgin Trains said most of its north Wales services would not operate south of Crewe, where passengers will need to change for alternative trains.Virgin Trains said most of its north Wales services would not operate south of Crewe, where passengers will need to change for alternative trains.
Stagecoach Coaches said no services were running out of Merthyr, Brecon or Porth, with limited services from Caerphilly.