CHILLS AND THRILLS
...BUT WARNOCK FURIOUS AS BLUEBIRDS LEFT OUT IN THE COLD:
HEAVY snow and freezing temperatures brought widespread disruption across South Wales yesterday.
Temperatures felt as low as -8°C as a wintry snap dubbed the “mini beast from the east” hit, leaving some Valleys schools shut today.
But there was anger from Cardiff City fans when their key clash away to Derby was called off due to the conditions – with many fans making the journey complaining there was little snow in evidence around Derby’s Pride Park.
Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning for ice issued by the Met Office remained in force across South Wales for part of today with sub-zero temperatures set to cause further disruption. Most of South Wales yesterday woke to snow, with some people seeing 10-15cm, and up to around 25cm on higher ground.
The severe conditions – which triggered an “amber” weather alert yesterday morning from the Met Office, the second highest warning category – caused travel disruption with dozens of roads closed and delays and cancellations at Cardiff Airport.
South Wales Police warned drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary, and a number of roads were blocked by snow, with authorities warning of hazardous conditions on the mountain roads through Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Police tweeted an image of a 4x4 car that had skidded off the A48 in Bridgend.
Although the worst of the snow has passed, a yellow weather warning for ice has been in place between 12.05am and 10am today, with further disruption being predicted.
The Met Office chief forecaster said: “After a very cold day on Sunday, temperatures are likely to fall well below freezing across many areas into the start of Monday. This will lead to any partly-melted snow refreezing.”
Forecasters said that ice is likely to form on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
They added the conditions will increase the risk of accidents as well as injuries due to falls.
The “feels-like” temperature in Cardiff will stay at around -5°C for much of today, according to the Met Office, with sunny intervals forecast from around noon.
The mercury is set to rise throughout the week in the capital with temperatures forecast to hit double figures on Thursday.
Officials in the Blaenau Gwent council area yesterday announced schools in the county would be shut today.
By contrast, Cardiff council said it expected most of its schools to open as normal today with the situation not as bad as the snow of two weeks ago.
Headteachers were last night monitoring the situation and said
they would update parents via social media and on their local council websites.
The snow meant hundreds of people were stuck at Cardiff Airport – but some rugby fans made the most of it.
Despite some flights being delayed for more than two hours, rugby fans who watched the Wales v France game on Saturday in the capital continued to enjoy themselves at the airport.
Video footage from the departures hall showed French fans singing the national anthem and images showed a packed bar.
Passengers described chaotic scenes and said the airport was a “mess”.
Cardiff Airport said they were doing their “utmost” to help passengers, and that the airport was open and operating as usual.
Cardiff City’s Championship football match against Derby County, which had been due to be televised on Sky, was called off as a result of “unsafe” conditions.
The decision, taken three-and-ahalf hours before the scheduled noon kick-off, was condemned by Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock.
“I think it’s a disgrace, quite frankly,” he said. “You look at their game against Fulham two weeks ago, if you look on the website, all of the Derby fans were saying it was 10 times worse two weeks ago. They had snowploughs everywhere.
“The car parks are clear, the shops are open.
“We’ve got some of our fans outside, we’ve got Derby fans as well who have come from miles away. “I can’t accept that today.” He told Sky Sports News: “It leaves a sour taste for everyone who has travelled.” Bluebirds fan Ian Harrison and his family made it to the ground - and tweeted his anger at the decision, complete with a picture of a largely snow-free stadium area.
He said: “So the Harrisons made it to Pride Park for Derby v Cardiff and game’s off but nothing short of a disgrace, there’s buses, trains, cyclists, joggers, Sunday shoppers and all out and about,” adding the hashtag “#whatsnow”.
Bluebirds season ticket-holder Caitlyn Peplow said: “We’re on the bus now, we were almost there. How is it we’re able to travel from South Wales to Derby when 2,500 fans are able to make it?”
And fan account Cardiff City Fans said: “The snow was even worse a few weeks ago and Derby managed to get their game on, they’ve messed us around big time here.”
Broadcaster Chris Skudder said: “Trust someone’s going to reimburse Cardiff fans who’ve made the trip to Derby only to find it’s off because of a bit of snow.”
Their plight even aroused the sympathy of some Derby County supporters.
DCFCben96 tweeted: “I’ve got to feel for Cardiff fans. Travelled four hours-plus to get to the game and when you arrive there is hardly a dusting of snow in Derby. I live about 30 miles away in the heart of the Peak District and pretty much all the main roads are clear. Strange decision.”
In a club statement, Derby County said: “Following persistent heavy snowfall in Derby overnight, the surrounding areas at Pride Park Stadium have been left in an unsafe condition for supporters, staff and officials.”
The date of the rearranged fixture is yet to be announced.
Warnock fumes as game postponed: Sports Supplement