THE MET OFFICE has issued a yellow weather warning for snow across Wales this weekend, predicting significant snowfall that could disrupt travel and daily life. The warning is in effect from noon on Saturday, January 4, 2024, until 9 AM on Monday, January 6, 2024.

The forecast indicates that lower elevations in Wales may see around 5 cm of snow, while higher ground, particularly in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, could experience accumulations of 20 to 30 cm. The most affected areas include:

• Wrexham: Anticipated snowfall of over 5 cm, impacting local travel.
• Ceredigion: Likely to see significant snow accumulation.
• Conwy and Denbighshire: These regions are under the warning and expected to face severe weather conditions.
• Gwynedd: Higher elevations could see substantial snowfall, creating hazardous conditions.
• Powys: Towns like Brecon and Llandrindod Wells are likely to experience heavy snow.

What to expect

As the weather front moves in, rain is expected to spread northeastward on Saturday, transitioning into snow as temperatures drop. The Met Office warns that the combination of snow and increasing winds could lead to drifting snow, complicating travel conditions.

Residents should prepare for:

• Travel Disruptions: Roads may become impassable due to snow accumulation, particularly in rural areas. Public transport services could also face delays or cancellations.
• Power Outages: The risk of power outages increases in some regions due to heavy snowfall and potential ice formation.
• Icy Conditions: As warmer air moves northward, there is a possibility of freezing rain, which would create additional hazards on roads and pavements.

Safety precautions

Authorities advise residents to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the weather.
• Prepare emergency kits with essentials in case of power outages.
• Ensure vehicles are equipped for winter driving conditions.

The Met Office emphasises that while the situation is being closely monitored, adjustments to the warning area may occur as forecasts become more precise. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritise safety as winter weather impacts Wales this weekend.

NO PLANS to review the decision to end car parking on a north Pembrokeshire beach are expected in 2025, with works on a new car park development due to start early this year.

Newport Sands/Traeth Mawr became car-free in May 2023, when Pembrokeshire coast National Park ended parking on the beach after purchasing the land in response to growing safety concerns.

It said the beach would be a ‘car-free’ zone, with exceptions only allowed for emergency services and essential car users such as the RNLI and coastguards.

A petition was later launched demanding a backtrack, saying an outright ban will have an adverse effect on a wide cross-section of beach users, including disabled visitors.

Last July, members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s authority agreed to keep the car-free resolution, along with “actively pursuing options of how to improve access for people living with disability”.

In December, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee approved an application by the national park for the demolition and replacement of the existing public convenience block, the creation of an access ramp and steps to south slipway, the erection of a beach wheelchair storage building, and works to the existing car park, including new pay and display machines, at Newport Sands PCNP Car Park, Golf Course Road.

The works include an extra 52 car parking spaces over the 43 currently there, along with an increase in disabled parking spaces.

A report for committee members received at the December meeting said: “The proposal will result in improved and enhanced services for visitors to the Newport Sands car park by providing better beach access, clearly laid out parking bays and pedestrian zones, improved public convenience facilities, and landscaping enhancements across the site. The provision of a changing places facility, beach wheelchair storage and new access ramp are likely to assist in enhancing access for wheelchair users to this site.”

Concerns had been raised by Nevern Community Council, who had called for its refusal, saying: “Nevern Community Councillors are concerned that visitors pay for the car parking and then also have to pay for the use of the toilets, it is felt that this double pay is ripping people off and taking advantage of visitors.”

Following a request for any review on the beach parking, a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park spokesperson said: “We don’t have any plans to issue further updates on Newport Sands in the coming year.

“Planning permission was granted in the December DM meeting, and the intention is to commence construction on phase 1 (ramps and car parking surface / wheelchair storage and landscaping) in early 2025.”

AMBULANCE service pressures remain high despite the end of a 48-hour critical incident declared by the Welsh Ambulance Service.

The incident, triggered by overwhelming demand and a backlog of 340 emergency calls on Monday, was formally stood down after significant strain on resources.

Judith Bryce, assistant director of operations, said: “While the critical incident is behind us, significant pressures remain, and it’s really important that the public play their part to protect our precious resources for those who need them most.”

Ambulance chiefs have urged the public to use the service responsibly, advising people to only dial 999 in life-threatening emergencies and consider alternatives such as NHS 111 Wales symptom checkers, pharmacists, minor injuries units, or GPs.

“For anyone under the weather after New Year’s Eve celebrations, consider what you can do at home to self-care, including for common ailments like coughs, sore throats, and diarrhoea,” Ms Bryce added.

She also warned the public to take extra care while yellow weather warnings for heavy rain and high winds remain in place, highlighting the risk of accidents on the road and injuries from slips, trips, and falls.

The pressures extended beyond the ambulance service, with health boards including Cwm Taf Morgannwg, Hywel Dda, Aneurin Bevan, and Cardiff and Vale reporting increased demand. These boards introduced mask-wearing measures last week due to rising flu cases.

Jason Killens, chief executive of the ambulance service, described the critical situation as “very rare” and stressed the importance of using emergency services wisely.

This is not the first time a critical incident has been declared during winter pressures. In December 2020, south Wales experienced a similar crisis, while an extraordinary incident was declared in 2023 after an ambulance waited over 28 hours outside a hospital.

The Welsh government acknowledged the ongoing pressures on urgent and emergency care services and urged the public to carefully consider their options before seeking care.