SNOW and ice warnings remain in place across Wales, continuing to cause disruption as the new school term gets under way.
More than 380 schools have been closed for a second consecutive day, with treacherous road conditions making travel difficult in many areas. Closures have been reported in Anglesey, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea and Wrexham.
Motorists are facing challenging conditions, with several roads blocked by snowfall. The Met Office said the cold weather is set to persist, with an ice warning in force overnight and into Wednesday morning.
Wintry showers are forecast, with rain, sleet and snow all expected at times. A Met Office spokesperson urged those travelling to allow extra time for their journeys.
Among the current road closures is the A474 Pontardawe Road in Neath Port Talbot, which is shut in both directions between Waun Penlan in Pontardawe and Abernant Road in Cwmgors. The A542 Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen in Denbighshire is also closed both ways, between the B5103 at the Corwen turn-off and the A5104 towards Wrexham at Pen-y-Stryt.
Despite the disruption, residents in Bethesda, Eryri, were treated to an unusual sight as a Second World War-era all-terrain vehicle made its way through the village.
The Studebaker M29C Weasel, designed specifically for use in snowy conditions, was deployed in places such as Norway during the war. The amphibious vehicle was designed in Britain and manufactured in the United States as part of efforts to disrupt Germany’s nuclear weapons programme.
Military vehicle collector Andrew Singleton, 55, from Bethesda, bought the Weasel in 2005 and spent years restoring it. With the A5 impassable to most vehicles, he decided to take it out for a drive.
“It handled beautifully,” he said. “Everybody was pleased to see it.” The vehicle has a top speed of around 36mph.
Mountain leader and rock-climbing instructor Dawn Stanworth, 38, also from Bethesda, said hitching a lift with a friend around the village in the vehicle had “made our day”.
“It was really fun,” she said. “It made a lot of people smile.”
Advice for driving in winter conditions
Driving in snow and ice can be hazardous, but preparation can make a significant difference. Winter tyres can provide extra grip, while topping up screen wash and using anti-freeze can help keep vehicles roadworthy.
Drivers are advised to plan journeys carefully, allow extra time and check traffic updates before setting off. If a car becomes stuck, motorists should avoid spinning the wheels, as this can cause the vehicle to dig itself in further.
Caring for pets in cold weather
Pets, like humans, are vulnerable to hypothermia in low temperatures. Raising pet beds off the ground can help protect older dogs from draughts, while cats may prefer higher, enclosed spaces such as climbing posts or raised dens.
Experts also recommend increasing indoor playtime to keep animals active when they are spending less time outdoors. Pets may eat more in cold weather to maintain body heat and may drink less, but owners should ensure they always have access to fresh water to reduce the risk of dehydration.
