Schools shut after snow and ice in Wales

Forecasters say it will remain very cold in Wales during the rest of the week

A number of schools have closed amid widespread icy conditions and with snow affecting some roads in Wales.

Forecasters say freezing conditions will continue for the next few days.

Ice led to the closure of the A4067 in both directions early on Tuesday between Glais, Swansea, and Junction 45 of the M4.

Just passable due to ice were the A4061 in both directions at Nant-y-Moel, Bridgend, and the A4233 Maerdy mountain road in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

There was snow in south and north Wales on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road at Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, and on the A470 at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd.

Ice also affected the A470 in both directions in Llandinam, Powys, and A476 near Tumble, Carmarthenshire.

The largest number of schools to close were in Rhondda Cynon Taf after ice affected roads. Full details are available on the council website.

There were also school closures in other valley areas.

In Caerphilly county, Rhymney comprehensive opened to staff and external examination pupils only due to access difficulties due to icy conditions.

Merthyr council said Afon Taf High School closed to years 7, 8 and 9, but opened to years 10, 11, 12 and 13, after the heating system failed.

In Neath Port Talbot Glyncorrwg primary school also closed.

"The Met Office is warning of widespread ice this morning," said BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles.

'Temperatures will tumble'

"Snow in Powys and the Gwent valleys froze over as temperatures dropped overnight. The lowest temperature of -4C (24F) was near Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, whilst it was -3C (26F) in Tredegar in Blaenau Gwent

"Tonight there is a small risk of rain or snow in the south west, but otherwise it will be dry and under the clearer skies temperatures will tumble below freezing for most of us.

"Another widespread frost will be forming, with mist and fog along the Marches. It will be similar tomorrow: breezy with bright spells, and variable cloud, but very cold again.

"It will be cold but mostly dry over the next couple of days, although there is a risk of further snow on Friday, but that detail is still likely to change."