Wales snow: New snow warning after disruption

A new snow warning has been issued for south east Wales as freezing weather continues to cause travel disruption.

Up to 10cm (4in) of snow could affect the area on Tuesday, and an ice warning will be in place for most of Wales.

BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said most of the snowfall would be light but there was a 30% risk of heavier snow falling in parts of south and south east Wales.

About 120 schools closed on Monday with ice making many roads treacherous.

A bus carrying 16 pupils slipped off a steep road covered in slush and snow at Abercarn in Caerphilly county. Three were treated for minor injuries.

A yellow warning -meaning be aware - has been issued by the Met Office for the south and south east of Wales, which means people should be aware.

In this area, between five to 10cm (4in) of snowfall is possible with a 30% chance of more than 10cm in places.

"We're keeping a close eye on developments. There is a risk of more sleet and snow in the next 24 hours in mid, south and west Wales," said Brockway.

"There is a 30% chance that parts of south and southeast Wales could have some heavy snow. However, the forecast is not as clear cut as it was last week.

"There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding how much snow we'll get. Things could change but it's unlikely to be as bad as last Friday."

Ice will continue to be a major hazard with some low temperatures into Tuesday.

On Monday, schools were closed in more than half of the country's counties but the south Wales valleys was worst affected. By 17:00 GMT on Monday, two schools announced they will close because of the weather on Tuesday - Peter Lea Primary School, Cardiff, and Llantrisant Primary School in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

Many of Monday's closures were related to health and safety reasons, with pavements and playgrounds still icy. In some areas parents helped to clear school playgrounds and pavements.

RCT council, which had at least 30 schools shut, said secondary schools were being prioritised because some pupils were sitting exams this week.

While major routes are mostly open, some mountain and minor roads are still closed and many others around the country continue to be dangerous.

In Caerphilly county, a bus carrying Abercarn Primary School pupils went off Llanfach Road, which was covered in slush and snow.

Nobody was seriously injured but three children had minor injuries and were treated by a local GP.

'Be properly equipped'

Caerphilly council said it had issued advice to school bus operators to review routes in light of the continuing weather conditions.

Mountain rescuers warned walkers to think twice before heading up high peaks in bad weather after two separate incidents on Corn Du in the Brecon Beacons at the weekend.

A woman slipped and broke her ankle on Saturday while another broke two bones in a leg on Sunday.

Mark Jones, deputy team leader of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, said: "We would call on anyone heading out into the mountains during this cold snap to be properly equipped with crampons, ice axe or walking poles, warm weather gear, map, compass and torch.

"If you are unused to high level walking it may be better to stick to the lower slopes."

The search around Machynlleth, Powys, for the body of missing five-year-old April Jones has been suspended because of the weather. Police teams looking for April, who has been missing since 1 October were stood down on Thursday and are expected to return to Machynlleth next weekend.

North Wales Police cautioned a motorist in Connah's Quay who was reaching out of the window to collect snow and throwing it at pedestrians.

The Penderyn, Maerdy, Bwlch and Rhigos mountain roads in south Wales all remained closed on Monday, as did the A542 Horseshoe Pass in Denbighshire.

Gritting vehicles

One lane on the M4 second Severn crossing was closed westbound.

Local authorities said they were working hard trying to keep important routes open.

Caerphilly council said its gritting vehicles had covered a distance of more than 5,000 miles (8,047km) since Friday morning.

Its team had spread around 1,400 tonnes of salt worth £90,000, and the local authority said it was well placed to tackle further spells of cold weather with over 5,500 tonnes still in storage.

On the trains, there were delays of up to 30 minutes on First Great Western services between Cardiff Central and Bridgend due to signalling problems.

The problem was also affecting Arriva Trains Wales services.