Traffic was gridlocked at Aberystwyth

Ceredigion Council has advised people to make journeys only when absolutely necessary.

And by 1300GMT the roads of Ceredigion's main town, Aberystwyth, were gridlocked.

A Dyfed-Powys police spokesman have told people not to venture out because a road that allows motorists to by-pass the seaside town through Capel Dewi is closed after an accident.

Police are leaving one-car at a time down Penglais Hill and two gritters are trying to climb up the hill.

Police have already dealt with several minor accidents in Ceredigion including an ambulance overturning at Llanarth, five miles from Aberaeron at 0740GMT.

A police spokesman said no one was injured and the ambulance was revovered and moved from the scene at 1030GMT.

The county has been badly affected with up to six inches of snow on some roads and eight inches on the hills, and 20 gritters and snowploughs are clearing primary routes.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the area was badly affected, with many roads dangerous.

The A487 from Cardigan to Aberystwyth was badly hit with five or six inches of snow on the road, and motorists were urged not to use it during the morning rush hour.

Drivers were also urged to avoid the A485 between Carmarthen and Llanybydder.

Untreated side roads were reported to be impassable in many parts of the Ceredigion area.

A Ceredigion Council spokesman said: "At present all main roads are passable with care.

"Motorists are urged to take extreme care, especially on lanes and C class roads, as these are untreated.

"Journey's should only be done where absolutely necessary."

The A487 was closed a mile outside Llanarth after an ambulance overturned at 0800GMT but the road has now reopened.

More snow is expected throughout the day.

A total of 36 primary schools, and 6 secondary schools have now closed in Ceredigion and another 13 in Powys.

Dylan Wyn, head teacher at Lampeter Comprehensive said: "It started snowing yesterday evening and it hasn't stopped since.

"The road conditions are so bad that school buses weren't able to go out to bring children in.

"When I came in I found that my car was slipping and sliding and I have only seen a few 4 x 4 vehicles on the road."

The Powys area escaped relatively unscathed with roads reported to be clear in Welshpool, Newtown, Knighton and Brecon.

But nine schools are closed in the Ystradgynlais area and heavy snow has fallen at Sennybridge with police stating that roads north and west of the village are treacherous.