Forecasters still predict heavy snow in parts of Wales

Roads around Abergavenny have seen some of the first snow

Forecasters are still predicting heavy snow for parts of southern and mid Wales.

The bad weather failed to materialise in many places during the day on Tuesday, although snow fell on high ground.

As much as eight to 12 ins (20-30cm) is predicted by forecasters, with freezing temperatures by new year.

A severe weather warning is in place and further snowfall is expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

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

On Tuesday, 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.

'Drive sensibly'

Heavy snow was falling on high ground in northern parts of Ceredigion in the afternoon.

In Gwent, police advised drivers to take care on the roads and urged them not to venture out unless it was absolutely necessary.

Andrew Jones, Powys council area manager for street services for the north of the county, said the authority's vehicles had been out in the early hours of Tuesday 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.

The AA said it had attended around 14,000 breakdowns in the UK since midnight on Tuesday and expected the day-end total to exceed 18,000, compared with around 8,500 on a normal Tuesday.

One of the busiest areas for AA patrol teams was south Wales.

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

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