THE FIRST significant snowfall of the year has fallen across Wales, with snow covering parts of north-east Wales overnight. The weather has caused major disruptions, including the closure of 130 schools, road closures, and the issuing of weather warnings for snow and ice.

On Monday night (Nov 18), part of the A55 was closed at Caerwys due to what Traffic Wales described as a “collision and heavy snow.” The snow has continued to cause problems on the roads, with the A44 in Powys closed on Tuesday morning between the A470 at Llangurig and the B4343 at Dyffryn Castell due to snow accumulation. Drivers are advised to avoid travel in these areas unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout the week.

In the south of Wales, heavy rain has led to flood warnings being issued by Natural Resources Wales, particularly along the River Ely. The heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have created additional risks for drivers, particularly those using rural or coastal roads.

School closures across Wales
The heavy snow has forced the closure of around 130 schools across Powys, Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Wrexham. Schools have been forced to close for the day as a result of unsafe conditions for students and staff. In some areas, like Llanfair-Dyffryn-Clwyd in Denbighshire, snow has blanketed farms and rural areas, making it difficult for buses and staff to reach schools.

For those needing information about school closures, local authorities are providing up-to-date lists, and parents are urged to stay informed about the situation in their area.

The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings across the UK, including a yellow alert for snow and ice that will last until Wednesday. The snow, combined with icy conditions, is expected to cause disruption in parts of Wales, particularly in the north, and could lead to delays for drivers, train services, and other transport routes. The warnings are in place for areas including Powys, Wrexham, and Denbighshire, as well as parts of northern England and Scotland.

Dan Suri, a chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that the disruption was caused by a low-pressure system that moved eastwards on Monday night. This system brought a mixture of cold air and wintry conditions, which has resulted in widespread snow and ice. The system is expected to continue affecting the UK through the week, with additional updates to the warnings likely as conditions change.

The forecast for Tuesday predicts cold temperatures with occasional wintry showers, though some areas will experience breaks of sunshine in the afternoon. However, conditions are expected to remain cold, with a widespread frost likely overnight, especially in rural areas. Drivers are warned that icy patches are likely to form on untreated roads, increasing the risk of accidents.

Tips for navigating winter conditions
With snow and ice continuing to affect travel in Wales, it is important for motorists and residents to take precautions:

1. Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is winter-ready with properly inflated tyres, a full windscreen washer reservoir, and working lights.
2. Stay Updated: Regularly check weather updates and traffic reports for your area. Follow Traffig Cymru and Traffic Wales for real-time information on road closures and conditions.
3. Drive Safely: Reduce your speed and increase the distance between vehicles. Avoid sharp turns, sudden acceleration, or harsh braking, as these can cause skidding on icy surfaces.
4. Emergency Kit: Carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, warm clothing, food, water, and a phone charger, in case you get stranded.

With these winter conditions expected to persist, it’s crucial for residents and travelers in Wales to stay informed and prioritize safety when navigating the roads.

A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.

A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”

As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”

MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.

Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.

A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”

The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”

Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.

Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.

In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.

Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”

Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.

The inquest continues.