Wales braced for cold snap

North and west Wales are likely to be hardest hit

The worst cold snap of the winter so far is due to hit Wales in the next 48 hours and is set to leave schools closed, roads blocked and... flamingos frozen.

A bitter cold front arriving from the North Pole is forecast to send temperatures plummeting and bring heavy snow falls in parts of north and west Wales.

And although south west Wales should escape the worst of the snowfalls, the freezing cold is expected to make driving conditions hazardous.

In many parts of Wales gritting lorries have already been out on the roads and the emergency services are gearing themselves up for a busy week.

Even in Gwent Police area - which is expected to avoid the worst of the wintry conditions - officers have hired eight 4x4 vehicles to ensure they can keep on patrolling whatever the weather.

But as people living in remote areas begin stocking up with food and fuel, others are having to take unorthodox steps to prepare themselves.

Heated houses have been built for Llanelli's Caribbean Flamingos

While many of the residents of Llanelli's Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust are used to cold weather, its collection of 38 Caribbean Flamingos are used to more temperate climes.

The trust's Richard Williams explains: "They are very susceptible, even though they have been bred in captivity.

"So we have a specially-constructed, heated house for them and if the weather gets too cold we have to round them all up and usher them all inside."

But it is not all bad news. The weather will be more welcome at the Plas Y Brenin outdoor centre in Capel Curig in North Wales.

ADVICE TO MOTORISTS Ensure journey is necessary Plan trip carefully Listen to traffic reports Tell someone where your are going Avoid minor roads Check oil and screen wash Inspect tyres Take mobile phone Pack extra clothes, hot drink Take shovel Take mat to lay under tyres if stuck

Chief Executive Iain Peter said plenty of snow and ice would provide perfect conditions for their winter training courses.

"We do mountain climbing and walking courses and once the worst of the weather has cleared and there is plenty of snow underfoot, it can be ideal for showing people how to deal with potentially dangerous conditions," he said.

Driving is also expected to be hazardous and Trevor Poxon, the assistant chief examiner at the Institute of Advanced Motorists said drivers should think very carefully before making a journey.

"If the conditions are bad then you should, of course avoid driving," he advised.

"But if you do go out then go prepared. Take a mobile phone in case of a break-down, a hot drink, something to eat, a blanket and extra clothes.

"Also before you leave check the car over thoroughly and if you are having any problems with your battery get that looked at as they can be hammered in cold weather.

"Most of all drive calmly and with extra attention to the conditions - on snow and ice try to keep movements gentle and fluid and avoid any sudden braking or changes of direction."