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Delays as heavy snowfall returns Delays as heavy snowfall returns
(10 minutes later)
More heavy snow overnight is causing further disruption across much of Wales.More heavy snow overnight is causing further disruption across much of Wales.
A minibus crashed into the hall of a house in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, while 60 lorries are stuck at a service station off the M4 near Cardiff.A minibus crashed into the hall of a house in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, while 60 lorries are stuck at a service station off the M4 near Cardiff.
More than 750 schools have closed or are partially shut. Cardiff Airport has reopened after a 12 hour closure.More than 750 schools have closed or are partially shut. Cardiff Airport has reopened after a 12 hour closure.
Forecasters said the worst of the weather was likely to move into mid and north Wales later.Forecasters said the worst of the weather was likely to move into mid and north Wales later.
The A470 is still closed between Merthyr and Brecon, as well as the Rhigos and Bwlch mountain roads.The A470 is still closed between Merthyr and Brecon, as well as the Rhigos and Bwlch mountain roads.
Other main roads closed include the A487 at Synod Inn, Ceredigion, the A5104 in Denbighshire between Llandegla and Bryneglwys and the A485 at Carmarthen.Other main roads closed include the A487 at Synod Inn, Ceredigion, the A5104 in Denbighshire between Llandegla and Bryneglwys and the A485 at Carmarthen.
A mini-bus has crashed into the hallway of a house while a young family slept up stairs.A mini-bus has crashed into the hallway of a house while a young family slept up stairs.
Sarah Skilton of Capel Hendre in Ammanford said the vehicle had caused a "massive amount" of damage to the home she shares with her husband and sons.Sarah Skilton of Capel Hendre in Ammanford said the vehicle had caused a "massive amount" of damage to the home she shares with her husband and sons.
The family has been evacuated from the property following the incident around 0900 GMT.The family has been evacuated from the property following the incident around 0900 GMT.
"The minibus hit a BMW coming down Waterloo Road and is now parked in my front hall," she said."The minibus hit a BMW coming down Waterloo Road and is now parked in my front hall," she said.
She said her family were badly shaken but unhurt.She said her family were badly shaken but unhurt.
Mrs Skilton said the emergency services were still at the scene.Mrs Skilton said the emergency services were still at the scene.
"It's done a massive amount of damage - the bus is holding up the front of the house at the moment."It's done a massive amount of damage - the bus is holding up the front of the house at the moment.
"Thankfully they (her two sons aged 10 and seven) were up in their bedroom. Because of the snow the school is shut and we let them sleep in.""Thankfully they (her two sons aged 10 and seven) were up in their bedroom. Because of the snow the school is shut and we let them sleep in."
The Met Office has a severe weather warning in place for much of central and northern Wales but the snow is expected to ease and turn lighter during the day. In south Wales, there were reports of freezing rain.The Met Office has a severe weather warning in place for much of central and northern Wales but the snow is expected to ease and turn lighter during the day. In south Wales, there were reports of freezing rain.
The M4 corridor around Cardiff was jammed as the snow fell on Tuesday Roads in Cardiff were passable after the city woke to a new blanket of snow
School closures in Wales on WednesdaySchool closures in Wales on Wednesday
The Old Severn Bridge closed at 0300 GMT because of poor visibility, but the M4 second Severn crossing is open. The old bridge was shut on the advice of Avon and Somerset Police.The Old Severn Bridge closed at 0300 GMT because of poor visibility, but the M4 second Severn crossing is open. The old bridge was shut on the advice of Avon and Somerset Police.
Four flights were affected as Cardiff Airport closed at 2300 GMT on Tuesday but managers were hoping to re-open at 1130 GMT if there was no further snowfall. Passengers were being advised to check in as normal at the moment.Four flights were affected as Cardiff Airport closed at 2300 GMT on Tuesday but managers were hoping to re-open at 1130 GMT if there was no further snowfall. Passengers were being advised to check in as normal at the moment.
The Highland Airways flights to and from Anglesey have been cancelled.The Highland Airways flights to and from Anglesey have been cancelled.
South Wales Police advised motorists to travel only if the journey was absolutely necessary. As well as the valleys and Cardiff, up to five inches of snow fell in Bridgend and Porthcawl.South Wales Police advised motorists to travel only if the journey was absolutely necessary. As well as the valleys and Cardiff, up to five inches of snow fell in Bridgend and Porthcawl.
Around 60 lorries were stuck at the Cardiff West services off the M4, due to snow and ice on the exit road and two trucks jack-knifing as they tried to leave last night.Around 60 lorries were stuck at the Cardiff West services off the M4, due to snow and ice on the exit road and two trucks jack-knifing as they tried to leave last night.
Lorry driver Rose Beckett, 59, from Warwickshire, said she has never experienced this problem in almost 30 years of driving across Europe, including Austria, Switzerland and Germany.Lorry driver Rose Beckett, 59, from Warwickshire, said she has never experienced this problem in almost 30 years of driving across Europe, including Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
Her boss at Panic Transport, Rugby, ordered her to park up for the night when she was unable to complete her delivery of bathrooms and kitchens.Her boss at Panic Transport, Rugby, ordered her to park up for the night when she was unable to complete her delivery of bathrooms and kitchens.
She said: "If an Austrian truck with snow chains on can't get out, what hope do we have? You only have to get one driving wheel to start spinning and you jack-knife."She said: "If an Austrian truck with snow chains on can't get out, what hope do we have? You only have to get one driving wheel to start spinning and you jack-knife."
"I've spent years driving on the the continent in winter, but this is a joke. It's stupid. It's not just the odd truck, it's all of us.""I've spent years driving on the the continent in winter, but this is a joke. It's stupid. It's not just the odd truck, it's all of us."
"On the continent, motorway services get priority treatment on keeping clear to keep the freight moving. But here seems the cars get priority.""On the continent, motorway services get priority treatment on keeping clear to keep the freight moving. But here seems the cars get priority."
A delivery lorry stuck in snow in Taff Street was causing traffic problems in the centre of Pontypridd.A delivery lorry stuck in snow in Taff Street was causing traffic problems in the centre of Pontypridd.
Construction workers on the Church Village bypass were using their vehicles to help with Rhondda Cynon Taf's meals on wheels service.Construction workers on the Church Village bypass were using their vehicles to help with Rhondda Cynon Taf's meals on wheels service.
Cardiff Bus said some of its services were affected, including some routes being curtailed or not running.Cardiff Bus said some of its services were affected, including some routes being curtailed or not running.
Main routes in Cardiff were passable with care but there were problems on side roads and on the Ely and Pentrebane estates.Main routes in Cardiff were passable with care but there were problems on side roads and on the Ely and Pentrebane estates.
Bus services have been suspended in Swansea, although a service is operating to Pontardawe. First Bus said its services were suspended in Bridgend, Maesteg, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan while limited services were operating in Carmarthenshire.Bus services have been suspended in Swansea, although a service is operating to Pontardawe. First Bus said its services were suspended in Bridgend, Maesteg, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan while limited services were operating in Carmarthenshire.
National Express have suspended services from Swansea.National Express have suspended services from Swansea.
Arriva Trains Wales said passengers may experience some delays but so far there have been no cancellations and the company is operating a full schedule.Arriva Trains Wales said passengers may experience some delays but so far there have been no cancellations and the company is operating a full schedule.
Network Rail said the line between Rhoose and Bridgend is currently closed because of the snow and signal box access but is expected to reopen later.Network Rail said the line between Rhoose and Bridgend is currently closed because of the snow and signal box access but is expected to reopen later.
Crash barrierCrash barrier
Dyfed-Powys Police says their force area is quite bad. The A4120 near Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, has been closed, and low grit supplies mean many unclassified roads are impassable.Dyfed-Powys Police says their force area is quite bad. The A4120 near Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, has been closed, and low grit supplies mean many unclassified roads are impassable.
Two lorries were stuck on the A44 between Crossgates and Forest Inn, Powys.Two lorries were stuck on the A44 between Crossgates and Forest Inn, Powys.
The sheep market in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, was closed on Wednesday because of the bad weather.The sheep market in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, was closed on Wednesday because of the bad weather.
In north Wales, a heavy goods vehicle has gone through a crash barrier on the A55 at Northop.In north Wales, a heavy goods vehicle has gone through a crash barrier on the A55 at Northop.
It is affecting traffic both ways as it has pushed the barrier into the westbound lane. The fire service said the snow was quite treacherous there.It is affecting traffic both ways as it has pushed the barrier into the westbound lane. The fire service said the snow was quite treacherous there.
Firefighters released a woman who was trapped in her car after it slewed into a wall on a snow-covered road at Boduan, near Pwllheli, at 0500 GMT.Firefighters released a woman who was trapped in her car after it slewed into a wall on a snow-covered road at Boduan, near Pwllheli, at 0500 GMT.
The woman was said to have only minor injuries. A gritter also had problems on the road.The woman was said to have only minor injuries. A gritter also had problems on the road.
CampusesCampuses
All of the University of Glamorgan's sites are closed. Staff and students are advised to check the university's website for updates tomorrow morning.All of the University of Glamorgan's sites are closed. Staff and students are advised to check the university's website for updates tomorrow morning.
In Cardiff, all Uwic campsues are closed.In Cardiff, all Uwic campsues are closed.
BBC weather forecaster Derek Brockway said the snowfall should ease on Wednesday with milder weather likely for the weekend.BBC weather forecaster Derek Brockway said the snowfall should ease on Wednesday with milder weather likely for the weekend.
Have you been badly affected by the snow? You can send us your comments using the form below:Have you been badly affected by the snow? You can send us your comments using the form below:
A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
As the Rhigos, Maerdy and Bwlch mountain roads have been shut for some considerable time, all traffic to the top end of the Rhondda has to use the same route up the valleys. Add a load of snow as well and result = gridlock. My normal 40 minute journey took me 4 hours until I skidded off the road and ended up catching the train home - and I had left work at 3pm to avoid the traffic !! Bish, Treorci, RCTAs the Rhigos, Maerdy and Bwlch mountain roads have been shut for some considerable time, all traffic to the top end of the Rhondda has to use the same route up the valleys. Add a load of snow as well and result = gridlock. My normal 40 minute journey took me 4 hours until I skidded off the road and ended up catching the train home - and I had left work at 3pm to avoid the traffic !! Bish, Treorci, RCT
I left work in Cardiff Bay at 4:30pm. I drove through the centre of Cardiff and up the A470. What a mistake! Gridlock the WHOLE way up until Caerphilly. Travelled 6-7 miles in around 3 hours. A470 clear'ish' from Caerphilly to Pontypridd. No route to Graigwen, (both impassible). Had to do the last mile by foot. Got home at 9:30pm. 5 hours to travel 12 miles is no joke. Hope everyone else is safe.John Richards, Pontypridd, RCTI left work in Cardiff Bay at 4:30pm. I drove through the centre of Cardiff and up the A470. What a mistake! Gridlock the WHOLE way up until Caerphilly. Travelled 6-7 miles in around 3 hours. A470 clear'ish' from Caerphilly to Pontypridd. No route to Graigwen, (both impassible). Had to do the last mile by foot. Got home at 9:30pm. 5 hours to travel 12 miles is no joke. Hope everyone else is safe.John Richards, Pontypridd, RCT
still snowing rhondda,cars are over the rounderbout in pen y graig nothing moveing no gritting at all being done need anser of the council. wayne attley, pen y graig rhondda, 07.06 GMT.still snowing rhondda,cars are over the rounderbout in pen y graig nothing moveing no gritting at all being done need anser of the council. wayne attley, pen y graig rhondda, 07.06 GMT.
i have been affected by this snow bad weather im housebound with diabetes heart disease and neuropathy in my legs and cannot get out for basic foods waiting for a delivery from wiltshire farm foods but i cannot see them coming this wednesday as more snow as fallen no gritters where i live side streets are very poor.back in the last decade we was never left like this ,no help around this area. stephen merthyr tydfil ukstephen morgan, merthyr tydfil uki have been affected by this snow bad weather im housebound with diabetes heart disease and neuropathy in my legs and cannot get out for basic foods waiting for a delivery from wiltshire farm foods but i cannot see them coming this wednesday as more snow as fallen no gritters where i live side streets are very poor.back in the last decade we was never left like this ,no help around this area. stephen merthyr tydfil ukstephen morgan, merthyr tydfil uk
Snow brought treacherous driving conditions for Tuesday evening commutersSnow brought treacherous driving conditions for Tuesday evening commuters
After recently losing my job, ive been helping the locals tow their cars out on to the cleared roads from the ungritted housing estates using my 4 wheel drive. i've found that a stiff broom and some cheap screenwash works better than grit as it doesn't leave brown sludge.stu, CardiffAfter recently losing my job, ive been helping the locals tow their cars out on to the cleared roads from the ungritted housing estates using my 4 wheel drive. i've found that a stiff broom and some cheap screenwash works better than grit as it doesn't leave brown sludge.stu, Cardiff
Having driven back the 3 miles from Caerphilly to my home, the snow wasn't the problem with the traffic. It was drivers who have no understanding of the consequence of stopping their car in the middle of a junction. A large proportion of the gridlock on the 470 can be blamed on careless drivers heading towards caerphilly blocking the junctions near the St Cenydd roundabout and Nantgarw Road. Those 2 junctions block a trunk route from the 470 into Caerphilly and the valleys beyond.Ian Fearing, Nantgarw, CardiffHaving driven back the 3 miles from Caerphilly to my home, the snow wasn't the problem with the traffic. It was drivers who have no understanding of the consequence of stopping their car in the middle of a junction. A large proportion of the gridlock on the 470 can be blamed on careless drivers heading towards caerphilly blocking the junctions near the St Cenydd roundabout and Nantgarw Road. Those 2 junctions block a trunk route from the 470 into Caerphilly and the valleys beyond.Ian Fearing, Nantgarw, Cardiff
I work in Cardiff Gate and my partner in Llantarnham and we both left work at 5 o'clock tonight to be meet with predominantly stationary traffic eventually I arrived home at 10.15!I work in Cardiff Gate and my partner in Llantarnham and we both left work at 5 o'clock tonight to be meet with predominantly stationary traffic eventually I arrived home at 10.15!
I was lucky to get home as at times I thought I would have to leave my car where I stopped.I was lucky to get home as at times I thought I would have to leave my car where I stopped.
I would like to send my thanks to all the emergency services people that I saw working trying to keep everyone moving in such dreadful conditions as I believe without them I would still be on the road now!Mikaela Shayle, Cwm, Ebbw ValeI would like to send my thanks to all the emergency services people that I saw working trying to keep everyone moving in such dreadful conditions as I believe without them I would still be on the road now!Mikaela Shayle, Cwm, Ebbw Vale
I was stuck in traffic for an hour and a half in Cardiff then my window wipers broke and I had to wait for an hour for breakdown they fixed my window wipers and I then got stuck in traffic on the a470 for a further two and a half hours and then one mile from my boyfriends house my window wipers stopped working again and I had to drive with head out the window until I could get my car to a safe place. It is now on the side of a roundabout because I couldn't get it anywhere else :( Michelle Ellen, Treforest Pontypridd RCTI was stuck in traffic for an hour and a half in Cardiff then my window wipers broke and I had to wait for an hour for breakdown they fixed my window wipers and I then got stuck in traffic on the a470 for a further two and a half hours and then one mile from my boyfriends house my window wipers stopped working again and I had to drive with head out the window until I could get my car to a safe place. It is now on the side of a roundabout because I couldn't get it anywhere else :( Michelle Ellen, Treforest Pontypridd RCT
I work in Bristol, live near Blackwood,Gwent. I left my office at 5pm today. I was in Risca by 6pm. I arrived home in Blackwood (some 5 miles from Risca) at 10.30pm. I am bound to say that the snow wasn't particularly heavy. We have had much, much worse over the past 15 years. Other countries in Europe and states of North America experience far, far more snow quite frequently. Yet South Wales is ground to a halt. It is little more than pathetic and it was patently obvious that some major roads were not even salted. That is the real story of the "big freeze". The weather is far from extreme. We just aren't prepared for it. I simply don't buy the arguments on salt shortage but even if I'm wrong there is simply no excuse to justify the argument that in 2010 this country is ground to a halt for a little more than 3 inches of snow. The Welsh Assembly should hang its head in shame. I have important business to attend to tomorrow and clients in Bristol who rely on me. Yet I am housebound by a fairly insignificant snow flurry.I work in Bristol, live near Blackwood,Gwent. I left my office at 5pm today. I was in Risca by 6pm. I arrived home in Blackwood (some 5 miles from Risca) at 10.30pm. I am bound to say that the snow wasn't particularly heavy. We have had much, much worse over the past 15 years. Other countries in Europe and states of North America experience far, far more snow quite frequently. Yet South Wales is ground to a halt. It is little more than pathetic and it was patently obvious that some major roads were not even salted. That is the real story of the "big freeze". The weather is far from extreme. We just aren't prepared for it. I simply don't buy the arguments on salt shortage but even if I'm wrong there is simply no excuse to justify the argument that in 2010 this country is ground to a halt for a little more than 3 inches of snow. The Welsh Assembly should hang its head in shame. I have important business to attend to tomorrow and clients in Bristol who rely on me. Yet I am housebound by a fairly insignificant snow flurry.
Lee Hamer, Blackwood GwentLee Hamer, Blackwood Gwent
We got in at 10.40pm after a nightmare journey , finally having to abandon the car at my in-laws and walk the last 3/4 mile. There was utter chaos. 10 cars abandoned at the bottom of our road, cars left all over the place , on pavements , in the middle of the road , everywhere. My Husband left Pontyclun to come to Bridgend at 3.40; he got gridlocked in Bridgend even before we started our journey home ; it eventually took a total of nearly 7 hours.Bev Evans , CaerphillyWe got in at 10.40pm after a nightmare journey , finally having to abandon the car at my in-laws and walk the last 3/4 mile. There was utter chaos. 10 cars abandoned at the bottom of our road, cars left all over the place , on pavements , in the middle of the road , everywhere. My Husband left Pontyclun to come to Bridgend at 3.40; he got gridlocked in Bridgend even before we started our journey home ; it eventually took a total of nearly 7 hours.Bev Evans , Caerphilly
my work schedule has been severely affected today, tomorrow and actually for the past two weeks....however...not a lot i can do about it so I am enjoying going for walks, playing with the children and making the most of it while i can!Jerry Widdas, Redwick Monmouthshiremy work schedule has been severely affected today, tomorrow and actually for the past two weeks....however...not a lot i can do about it so I am enjoying going for walks, playing with the children and making the most of it while i can!Jerry Widdas, Redwick Monmouthshire
It took a friend 7 hours to get from Newport to Caerphilly last night. I don't understand how the whole country grinds to a halt every time we get snow. Surely we should be learning from previous bouts by now.It took a friend 7 hours to get from Newport to Caerphilly last night. I don't understand how the whole country grinds to a halt every time we get snow. Surely we should be learning from previous bouts by now.
Jo Ashley, CardiffJo Ashley, Cardiff
I work in cardiff and live in cwmbran. What usually takes 20 minutes now the road works are basically done took me and hour and a half. I really don't understand why the traffic had built up so much, as soon as I got off Malpas road in newport I took the back roads in cwmbran to get home as the main roads where just blocked with traffic. The back roads where covered with snow but where easy to pass with care so I am not sure what was wrong on the main roads as they where clear of snow. Knew a few people who got stuck on the A470 for over 5 hours last night.I work in cardiff and live in cwmbran. What usually takes 20 minutes now the road works are basically done took me and hour and a half. I really don't understand why the traffic had built up so much, as soon as I got off Malpas road in newport I took the back roads in cwmbran to get home as the main roads where just blocked with traffic. The back roads where covered with snow but where easy to pass with care so I am not sure what was wrong on the main roads as they where clear of snow. Knew a few people who got stuck on the A470 for over 5 hours last night.
There is no reason in the day and age that a little snow should bring the country to a standstill.Michael Smith, CwmbranThere is no reason in the day and age that a little snow should bring the country to a standstill.Michael Smith, Cwmbran
I'm fed up with people moaning about the councils not gritting their roads, haven't they looked at the news, we haven't any. During a normal winter we have a significant amount of salt and our roads are kept clear, unfortunately we have had extreme conditions for the last month, we haven't had this much snow for 20 years, we have used all of our supplies and more. We can't grit if we haven't got salt. My husband works for the local council and he and his colleagues have worked around the clock for the last month, it is very annoying hearing people moaning about the road conditions, when I know our local councils are doing all they can to get more supplies so stop moaning and get on with it.N Jones, PontypriddI'm fed up with people moaning about the councils not gritting their roads, haven't they looked at the news, we haven't any. During a normal winter we have a significant amount of salt and our roads are kept clear, unfortunately we have had extreme conditions for the last month, we haven't had this much snow for 20 years, we have used all of our supplies and more. We can't grit if we haven't got salt. My husband works for the local council and he and his colleagues have worked around the clock for the last month, it is very annoying hearing people moaning about the road conditions, when I know our local councils are doing all they can to get more supplies so stop moaning and get on with it.N Jones, Pontypridd
I left work in Pontypridd at usual time of 4pm, just after the snow started. I didn't expect the roads and traffic to be so bad so quickly. I soon realised that I would be stuck in traffic whichever route I took and after skidding on the fresh snow I made a sensible decision to leave my car safely parked up. I walked and used the train to make my 5 mile journey home. The walk in the fresh snow was lovely! Too dangerous to try driving in this. Lisa Banfield, Porth, RCTI left work in Pontypridd at usual time of 4pm, just after the snow started. I didn't expect the roads and traffic to be so bad so quickly. I soon realised that I would be stuck in traffic whichever route I took and after skidding on the fresh snow I made a sensible decision to leave my car safely parked up. I walked and used the train to make my 5 mile journey home. The walk in the fresh snow was lovely! Too dangerous to try driving in this. Lisa Banfield, Porth, RCT
My daughter attends Bridgend college and travels home on the college bus which leaves campus at 4.00pm. Last night she arrived home at 8.45pm.Her friend from clydach arrived home at 10.40pm. This was a very stressful time for us parents and of course the kids. the networks were so busy it was difficult to keep in contact with them as we tried to reassure them. We were warned the snow would be coming in by 3pm so why didn't the colleges make sure our kids were home safely by then.Stuck on a bus for 5 hours not knowing if you're going to make it home is really distressing for a youngster. Next time we have a heavy snow warning I'll be keeping her home.s burrows, Tonyrefail R.C.TMy daughter attends Bridgend college and travels home on the college bus which leaves campus at 4.00pm. Last night she arrived home at 8.45pm.Her friend from clydach arrived home at 10.40pm. This was a very stressful time for us parents and of course the kids. the networks were so busy it was difficult to keep in contact with them as we tried to reassure them. We were warned the snow would be coming in by 3pm so why didn't the colleges make sure our kids were home safely by then.Stuck on a bus for 5 hours not knowing if you're going to make it home is really distressing for a youngster. Next time we have a heavy snow warning I'll be keeping her home.s burrows, Tonyrefail R.C.T
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