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Snow closes motorway and schools Snow closes motorway and schools
(20 minutes later)
Most of Wales is experiencing more wintry weather with a band of unforecast heavy snow.Most of Wales is experiencing more wintry weather with a band of unforecast heavy snow.
Up to 15cm (6in) is possible in places. More than 600 schools closed, and there is widespread disruption on roads.Up to 15cm (6in) is possible in places. More than 600 schools closed, and there is widespread disruption on roads.
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 the snow would spread north, with the Brecon Beacons, Powys and Monmouthshire worst affected.The Met Office said the 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.
At Cardiff International Airport, up to 2,000 rugby fans are waiting for flights to Edinburgh to take off.At Cardiff International Airport, up to 2,000 rugby fans are waiting for flights to Edinburgh to take off.
Other flights have been delayed and passengers were advised to allow more time to reach the airport because of road conditions.Other flights have been delayed and passengers were advised to allow more time to reach the airport because of road conditions.
A flight to Cork was diverted to Bristol. The airport said there would be delays throughout the afternoon and evening.A flight to Cork was diverted to Bristol. The airport said there would be delays throughout the afternoon and evening.
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 gone wrong.
"However, we believe it will turn milder over the weekend, with rain." "The low pressure over north-west France moved much further north giving us snow on what should have been a dry day.
"There's more rain and heavy snow for some areas to come, clearing tomorrow and turning milder on Sunday.
"However the thaw could create localised flooding," he added.
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.
Your snow picturesYour snow pictures
The Met Office is warning ice may develop on untreated surfaces.The Met Office is warning ice may develop on untreated surfaces.
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.
Many routes throughout the country had bumper-to-bumper traffic as motorists attempted to drive home in treacherous conditions.Many routes throughout the country had bumper-to-bumper traffic as motorists attempted to drive home in treacherous conditions.
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.
On the railways, Arriva Trains Wales said most valleys routes werestill running except Merthyr Tydfil, where there was a points failure at Abercynon. On the railways, Arriva Trains Wales said most valleys routes were still running except Merthyr Tydfil, where there was a points failure at Abercynon.
There were cancellations on routes west of Swansea, as well as on the Heart of Wales line.There were cancellations on routes west of Swansea, as well as on the Heart of Wales line.
Boys enjoy their day off in the snow in Rumney, Cardiff. Pic: Paul FranksBoys enjoy their day off in the snow in Rumney, Cardiff. Pic: Paul Franks
The Bridgend Designer Outlet shopping centre closed from 1300 GMT. Manager Richard Garratt said the snow had made the centre "impassable and dangerous and we were concerned for the safety of our shoppers, which is obviously our paramount concern."The Bridgend Designer Outlet shopping centre closed from 1300 GMT. Manager Richard Garratt said the snow had made the centre "impassable and dangerous and we were concerned for the safety of our shoppers, which is obviously our paramount concern."
St 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.St 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.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."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.But it said that staff living in badly affected areas should consider whether to leave the office early.
There are regular weather and traffic updates on BBC RadioWales on 93 - 96&104 FM; 882 & 657 AM or listen onlineThere are regular weather and traffic updates on BBC RadioWales on 93 - 96&104 FM; 882 & 657 AM or listen online