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Snow closes motorway and schools | Snow closes motorway and schools |
(40 minutes later) | |
Most of Wales is experiencing more wintry weather with another band of heavy snow from the south-west. | Most of Wales is experiencing more wintry weather with another band of heavy snow from the south-west. |
Up to 15cm (6in) is possible in places. More than 500 schools have closed, after 800 had shut the previous day. | Up to 15cm (6in) is possible in places. More than 500 schools have closed, after 800 had shut the previous day. |
The M4 motorway was closed for a time between junctions 47 and 49, Swansea West to Pont Abraham. One lane each way reopened later. | The M4 motorway was closed for a time between junctions 47 and 49, Swansea West to Pont Abraham. One lane each way reopened later. |
The Met Office said snow would spread north, with the Brecon Beacons, Powys and Monmouthshire worst affected. | The Met Office said snow would spread north, with the Brecon Beacons, Powys and Monmouthshire worst affected. |
Friday's fresh bout of snow was not initially predicted, but forecasters said weather patterns had altered overnight. | Friday's fresh bout of snow was not initially predicted, but forecasters said weather patterns had altered overnight. |
BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said: "The forecast has changed, with low pressure over north-west France moving further north. | BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said: "The forecast has changed, with low pressure over north-west France moving further north. |
"However, we believe it will turn milder over the weekend, with rain." | "However, we believe it will turn milder over the weekend, with rain." |
Overnight temperatures fell to -3C in places and drivers are warned to beware widespread icy patches. | Overnight temperatures fell to -3C in places and drivers are warned to beware widespread icy patches. |
Gritters have been out across north Wales overnight. | Gritters have been out across north Wales overnight. |
The National Library in Aberystwyth Your snow pictures | The National Library in Aberystwyth Your snow pictures |
The Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen was closed by police on Thursday evening as the snow, up to 15cm (6in) deep, which struck much of Wales, headed north. | The Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen was closed by police on Thursday evening as the snow, up to 15cm (6in) deep, which struck much of Wales, headed north. |
The Met Office is warning ice may develop on untreated surfaces. | The Met Office is warning ice may develop on untreated surfaces. |
The Met Office website said: "Snow will spread north during Friday morning and become heavy at times giving further accumulations of 2 to 5cm in places and locally 10 to 15cm over higher ground." | The Met Office website said: "Snow will spread north during Friday morning and become heavy at times giving further accumulations of 2 to 5cm in places and locally 10 to 15cm over higher ground." |
All main roads in Wales are open, although some minor roads are closed. | All main roads in Wales are open, although some minor roads are closed. |
In south Wales, the A4061 Bwlch mountain road is still closed, as is the Rhigos Road at Hirwaun and the A4233 Station Road at Maerdy and Aberdare. | In south Wales, the A4061 Bwlch mountain road is still closed, as is the Rhigos Road at Hirwaun and the A4233 Station Road at Maerdy and Aberdare. |
Cardiff International Airport said some flights had been delayed and passengers were advised to allow more time to reach the airport because of road conditions. | |
The airport said there would be delays throughout the afternoon and evening. | |
On the railways, First Great Western said overnight signalling problems had led to the cancellation of the 0525 and 0730 Swansea to London Paddington services. | On the railways, First Great Western said overnight signalling problems had led to the cancellation of the 0525 and 0730 Swansea to London Paddington services. |
The signalling problems had since been rectified, the firm said, and advised customers to switch to the 0800 Swansea to London Paddington services. The 0600 and 0700 services travelled as normal. | The signalling problems had since been rectified, the firm said, and advised customers to switch to the 0800 Swansea to London Paddington services. The 0600 and 0700 services travelled as normal. |
Boys enjoy their day off in the snow in Rumney, Cardiff. Pic: Paul FranksSt John Cymru Wales' specialist vehicles were brought in to support the Welsh Ambulance Service. Several multi-purpose and 4x4 vehicles were deployed for calls that regular emergency ambulances could not reach. | |
Neath Port Talbot Council said some of its schools had problems with their phone and could not contact parents to tell them they were closing. | Neath Port Talbot Council said some of its schools had problems with their phone and could not contact parents to tell them they were closing. |
School buses were on their way to pick up pupils, and the council appealed to parents to make arrangements for their children to be met at home. | School buses were on their way to pick up pupils, and the council appealed to parents to make arrangements for their children to be met at home. |
However, Neath Port Talbot stressed not all its schools were shut, and it was up to individual schools to decide whether to stay open. | However, Neath Port Talbot stressed not all its schools were shut, and it was up to individual schools to decide whether to stay open. |
Staff at Carmarthenshire Council were advised to leave work if they had concerns about being able to get home, while all Newport and Caerphilly councils closed from lunchtime. | |
The Welsh Assembly Government said its staff were expected in work "unless severe disruption to roads and public transport prevent them from doing so safely." | |
But it said that staff living in badly affected areas should consider whether to leave the office early. | |
Parents seeking information about school closures are asked not to call BBC Wales, but instead to check on this website and watch and listen to BBC Wales TV and radio. | Parents seeking information about school closures are asked not to call BBC Wales, but instead to check on this website and watch and listen to BBC Wales TV and radio. |