Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Weerswaarschuwingen Ierland Schotland en Engeland... ( bbc)


Roads warning as snow falls begin in Wales

Roads around Abergavenny have seen some of the first snow


A severe weather warning is in place for parts of southern and mid Wales as snow has fallen on high ground.

As much as eight to 12 ins (20 to 30cm) of snow is being predicted by forecasters for Tuesday with freezing temperatures by new year.

Some snow had fallen in the Heads of the Valley area by Tuesday midday, but the heavy falls expected have yet to arrive.

It is feared the weather will disrupt transport and power supplies.

Dyfed-Powys Police said snow had fallen on higher ground, but no roads were closed although drivers are being warned to take account of conditions.

There were reports of several trees falling in Ceredigion overnight because of strong gusts in the west.

'Drive sensibly'

Andrew Jones, area manager on street services for Montgomery area of Powys County Council, said the authority's vehicles had been out in the early hours putting down a layer of salt.

He said: "Once the snow does arrive in earnest, we will be staying out on the roads making sure that we keep on top of the roads and keep the roads open.

"If people drive sensibly and drive according to the conditions and maybe allow themselves a bit more time to travel, then we're confident we can keep on top of the situation."

'Gritting teams'

Torfaen council said its main roads were clear but side roads had a covering of snow and ice.

It said gritting teams would pay particular attention to roads on the refuse and recycling collection routes, to help tackle the backlog of collections caused by the weather with disruption to collections likely to continue.

Christina Harrhy, head of technical services, said: "The continued bad weather means there is a backlog of missed refuse and recycling collections especially in areas like cul-de-sacs which are not routinely treated or cleared of snow and ice."

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "There have been no closures of trunk roads or motorway in Wales so far today and no current issues due to the weather.

"Staff at the trunk road agencies are working hard to keep the main roads clear and we will continue to monitor the situation and are ready to act appropriately when needed.

"Anyone planning to drive is advised to listen to the radio for updates on the condition of the roads and keep an eye on the weather forecasts."

"Discussions with unitary authorities in Wales indicate that nearly all have increased their stock levels from last year and many have filled their salt barns to capacity."

Passengers due to fly from Cardiff Airport on Tuesday were advised to check flights were on schedule if there is more snow fall.

Freezing fog

Steve Hodgetts, the airport's business development director, said: "The plans (for snow) are already in place and have already been in operation earlier this month.

"It will very much depend on the weather generally across the UK. We will react accordingly, but the plans are already in place."

Other parts of Wales can also expect to see snow at times on Tuesday and Wednesday, but this will be mixed in with spells of sleet and rain.