Homes without power and schools closed due to snow

Hundreds of homes have lost power and schools across Wales were closed earlier due to disruption caused by snow and ice.

National Grid said hundreds of properties in west Wales and Pontypridd suffered power cuts but hoped to restore supplies to most residents this afternoon.

More than 30 schools were closed in Pembrokeshire, seven in Ceredigion and 14 in Carmarthenshire, and a yellow weather warning has been issued for all three areas and Swansea.

The Met Office warned some places could see up to 10cm (4in) of snow, particularly on higher ground, and the risk of ice could make travel hazardous.

Drivers and pedestrians have been advised to check conditions before travelling and be prepared for forecasts to change through the day.

The road from Templeton to Tavernspite, and Preseli Road between Tafarn-y-bwlch and New Inn, are both closed, and there are poor driving conditions on the A40 St Clears to Haverfordwest.

Transport for Wales warned the weather had caused "significant disruption" to rail services and a fallen tree near Llanboidy in Carmarthenshire had blocked the line.

Spokesman Colin Lea urged customers to check before travelling.

Councillor Shon Rees told BBC Radio Wales that parts of Pembrokeshire were experiencing "very, very deep snow" with some areas seeing up to 25cm (10 in).

He said schools and local authorities were taking the conditions seriously and the closures were appropriate.

Parents have been urged to check council websites for updates.

There were also "challenging conditions" in north Pembrokeshire after heavy snowfall not seen for "several years", Pembrokeshire Council said.

It also warned that all services have been cancelled due to access problems at Parc Gwyn Crematorium in Narberth, and will be rescheduled.

The council also said its gritting fleet was "strategically" based to cover the county, urging people to only travel when necessary.

Rees said driving conditions across the north of the county remained "very difficult" and snow ploughs have been working through the area.

Drivers have been advised to leave extra time to prepare their vehicles and to carry essentials such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch and a phone charger in case of delays.

Those on foot should use pavements along main roads, which are more likely to have been treated, to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Cyclists have been advised to stick to main routes for the same reason.

Residents should be prepared for any short power cuts by keeping torches, spare batteries and a mobile pack ready.

This is certainly the heaviest snowfall I've seen in this part of Pembrokeshire since I moved here almost 20 years ago.

Our power supply here in the Preseli Hills has been flickering on and off, along with our internet service.

Some trees have fallen under the weight of the snow and power cables are also sagging.

Snowfall was predicted, but perhaps not to this extent. The Pembrokeshire Dangler has certainly left its mark.

BBC reporter Aled Scourfield also saw a flash of "thundersnow" on Wednesday night.

This occurs when snow falls during a thunderstorm; at night, the lightning looks brighter because it reflects off the snowflakes.

The Met Office said thunderstorms were unusual because they typically only occur between December and March.`

West Wales has also experienced the effects of the Pembrokeshire Dangler - a persistent line of showers that form in the Irish Sea and converge with surface winds before hitting the Welsh coastline.

As a result, some areas of Pembrokeshire could be buried by10cm (4in) of snow later.

The Pembrokeshire Dangler should die off if winds change direction overnight but wintry showers are expected to continue into Friday morning across the country.

The Met Office has issued a warning for ice which is in place from midnight until 11:00 GMT on Friday.

It warned weather warnings changed quickly and recommended that people check the latest forecasts.