News

Snow falls in Wales: School closures, road blockages, and weather warnings

Published

2 years ago

November 19, 2024

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:

Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is winter-ready with properly inflated tyres, a full windscreen washer reservoir, and working lights.
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.
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.
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.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.