Snow brings north to standstill

The snow sent hundreds of children home from school

Heavy snow and icy roads brought much of north Wales to a standstill on Wednesday.

As well as causing chaos for commuters, the cold snap had a more sinister implication, with warnings that it could worsen the growing foot-and-mouth crisis.

The British Veterinary Association warned that the weather could make it more difficult to halt the spread of the disease - because the virus lives longer in the cold.

Many drivers were lucky to complete their journeys

Ramblers were urged to avoid the temptation to take walks in the picturesque countryside - for fear of transferring the virus to uncontaminated parts on their shoes.

The crippling weather conditions had huge implications for schools and colleges in the north.

More than 60 schools in Gwynedd - half of the schools in the area - were forced to close, and many in Conwy and Denbighshire also had an extended half term as pupils and teachers were unable to get in.

Snow falling overnight on top of on ice in north west Wales quickly made road conditions treacherous.

A road near Caernarfon was closed when an oil tanker overturned on the ice, and the Crimea Pass near Blaenau Ffestiniog was also shut.

The weather outlook for the rest of the week will come as no comfort to those already feeling the brunt of it.

The Met Office predicts dry and bright weather - but with sleet and snow showers, and remaining cold.