FREEZING POINT
HOSPITAL STAFF PLEA AS SNOW BRINGS SOUTH WALES TO STANDSTILL
SOUTH Wales ground to a halt over the weekend after widespread travel disruptions caused by snow.
Main roads were shut and thousands of homes left without electricity as up to 30cm of snow fell across Wales – the highest snowfall across the UK.
With a yellow weather warning in place across the weekend, people were advised to stay at home and avoid travelling following a “substantial number” of accidents on the road.
Dangerous driving conditions were reported on the Heads of the Valleys road, while parts of the A470 between Brecon and Nant Ddu and the Crimea Pass were forced to shut because of snow.
Mountain roads in Rhondda Cynon Taff will remain closed “for the foreseeable future” to allow council teams to treat main routes.
Delays were caused to bus and rail services, with a blocked train line from Newport to Abergavenny.
Tickets for Arriva Trains Wales services for Sunday remain valid today after customers were advised not to travel over the weekend.
After a busy night for emergency services, an “extreme weather plan” was put in place on Sunday by the Welsh Ambulance Service across Rhondda Cynon Taff and the Gwent valleys. A number of 4x4 vehicles were deployed by St John in the area to help with demand.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board also appealed for help due to a small number of staff affected by snow.
A precautionary message was sent out asking for colleagues to take on extra shifts at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and University Hospital Llandough in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Dialysis patients are advised to go for treatment in the next 24 hours, when they will be prioritised.
Several schools in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil last night announced they would be closed today.
It was confirmed last night that, in
Rhonnda Cynon Taff, Pen Pych Primary School in Blaenrhondda and Ton Pentre Junior School would be closed.
In Merthyr Tydfil, it was confirmed last night that Cyfarthfa High School, Cyfarthfa Park Primary School, Gwaunfarren Primary School, St Aloysius RC Primary School and Twynyrodyn Community School would be closed today.
In North Wales, British Red Cross volunteers supported medical staff affected by heavy snowfall by transporting A&E, midwifery and mental health specialists throughout the weekend.
Across South Wales, flood alerts were also issued by South Wales Police following heavy rain on Saturday night.
Fire services were called to attend a large number of reports including flooding near homes in Ely and Leckwith in Cardiff and Lavernock near Penarth.
Roads in Bridgend were left underwater, while emergency services were called to rescue two women from a car stuck in water at Kenfig Hill.
Elsewhere, pictures from across South Wales show families taking full advantage of the wintry weather, including fields full of people sledging in Aberfan.
In Wennalt, creative skills were put to the test by four men who created a sofa from the snowfall.
Festive events including the Aberdare Santa Run and Abergavenny Christmas Fair were forced to cancel due to health and safety concerns.
The cold weather is set to continue for the rest of the week, with frost and freezing fog predicted for Tuesday.
On Wednesday rain and showers are expected, followed by grey skies for the rest of the week.