Overnight Ice Warning Issued Following Snowfall

Icy conditions are anticipated to cause continued disruption into Thursday morning, following Wales’ initial snowfall of the season. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice across Wales, which is effective from 16:00 GMT on Wednesday until 10:00 on Thursday. On Wednesday, nearly 50 schools in Wrexham, Powys, Caerphilly, and Denbighshire were closed. Buses replaced trains between Llandudno, Conwy county, and Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, and a road in Wrexham was shut. Forecasters have advised individuals to exercise increased caution during journeys and to anticipate disruptions. Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong stated, “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week.” The Met Office also indicated that cold northerly winds would persist across much of the UK throughout the week, with additional warnings probable. It further noted that temperatures are expected to rise from the south-west this weekend, although this change will bring strong winds and heavy rain. The Met Office predicts the formation of icy patches on untreated surfaces from Wednesday evening and overnight into Thursday, as temperatures fall below freezing. North Wales is primarily impacted, with yellow weather warnings active from 16:00 GMT on Wednesday until 10:00 on Thursday. A limited number of sleet or snow showers are also anticipated, especially near coastal areas. The forecaster cautioned that some roads and railways are likely to experience disruptions, leading to extended journey times. The cold air is expected to be replaced by milder south-westerly winds by the weekend, bringing potentially wet and very windy weather. Snowfall commenced across parts of the UK on Monday night, resulting in the closure of over 140 schools in Wales and several roads on Tuesday. Transport for Wales reported that 13% of its services were disrupted on Tuesday due to severe weather. A lorry that became stuck in snow near Bwlchgwyn, Wrexham county, rendered a section of the A525 impassable in both directions. The UK Health Security Agency also issued the season’s initial amber cold weather health alert, cautioning that the conditions could pose dangers to elderly and vulnerable individuals. The Alzheimer’s Society cautioned that cold weather might be “particularly challenging” for individuals living with dementia. The charity stated, “Colder temperatures can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they may not even recognise it themselves.” Asthma and Lung UK, another charitable organization, advised individuals with lung conditions to be “extra careful.” The charity warned that cold weather has the potential to trigger life-threatening asthma attacks or “flare-ups” for those with other lung conditions. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC holds no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.