Snow brings widespread disruption

Snowfall on Wednesday caused treacherous road conditions

Drivers have been warned of heavy snow and icy roads in parts of Wales after the Met Office issued a severe weather warning for a second day.

There are particular problems in Flintshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire and Gwynedd. Parts of the A55 and A483 have been closed.

More than 400 schools are shut after some of the heaviest snow in a decade. More is expected in north Wales.

North Wales Police advised motorists to avoid travelling unless essential.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "Motorists need to be really cautious on roads in north Wales. If you don't have to make your journey, then stay at home."

Some gritters went over the same roads three times during the night, Sergeant Huw Birrell told BBC Radio Wales.

The snow caused problems on the A55

The A55 at Rhuallt Hill in Denbighshire was closed for the second time on Thursday. It was shut during the night after a lorry jack-knifed across the road, then re-opened, but was closed again about 0815 GMT.

A lorry got into to difficulty on the A483 at Gresford Bank near Wrexham, closing the dual carriageway southbound. The A494 at Aston Hill in Flintshire ground to a halt after an accident in the snow.

Anglesey Council's highways department was reporting road problems in Amlwch, Cemaes, Brynsiencyn and Llanfaethlu, and said gritters were out again on Thursday morning.

Wrexham, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Ceredigion saw more heavy snowfalls overnight with over six inches of snow lying in some areas by dawn.

A snow plough was used to clear the A44 near Aberystwyth and the A489 around Newtown and the A470 at Llanidloes was also causing problems.

Some roads in north Wales were blocked or passable only with care

A severe weather warning for Cardiff, Pembrokeshire, Newport and Vale of Glamorgan was in force until 0900 GMT.

A similar warning was in place overnight across 17 counties in south, west and north Wales after snowfall brought disruption to roads and rail services on Wednesday.

Carmarthenshire Council warned that refuse collections would not take place on Thursday as crews would concentrate on helping to clear footways and car parks.

Snow, hail and sub-zero temperatures were forecast, particularly in eastern parts of the county.

Gritters

The council said gritters were deployed throughout the night on main roads and priority routes, but has warned there could be some icy patches.

The council's Technical Services Director Richard Workman said: "We are continuing to urge people to take care on the roads and only travel when necessary."

Ceredigion Council said it would also keep gritters out overnight to combat expected snowfalls.

In a statement it said: "Gritters have been out continuously in a 12-hour shift pattern since midnight on Monday night. They will continue to grit and clear the primary routes throughout the evening."

A spokeswoman for Wrexham Council said there would be some disruption to refuse collection but social services staff were using 4x4 vehicles to deliver home care services in outlying areas.