Heavier snow is expected on Saturday Much of Wales is waking to snow, with icy temperatures expected to bring treacherous conditions for seasonal party-goers later.
There are reports of up to a foot of snow falling in some parts. Anglesey and Bangor in the north west have been worst hit and there have been heavy snow falls in the west of the country.
The big freeze returns as police and paramedics are gearing up for one of the busiest party nights of the year, dubbed ‘Black Friday’.
Police urged party-goers to take extra care during the extreme weather.
On Thursday night the Met Office issued a severe weather warning of widespread icy roads and heavy snow for the whole of Wales.
It said outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow followed southwards by very cold air, would leave untreated surfaces icy, leading to dangerous driving conditions on Friday.
Strong winds were expected to cause drifting, with the deepest snow likely in Snowdonia with 20cm (8in) possible by early on Friday.
Temperatures are expected to drop as low as -15C (5F) by the weekend.
“With the wintry weather forecast for the coming days we would encourage everyone to extra care to keep themselves safe”
Supt Phil Davies South Wales Police
Heavier snow is forecast on Saturday with 5-10cm (2-4in) expected widely, and the possibility of 20-25cm in places (8-12in).
BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway warned: “It will feel bitterly cold with a significant wind-chill, and next week will continue very cold, with a risk of snow showers and some very low night-time temperatures.”
With thousands of partygoers expected out on the streets of Wales’ cities and towns on Friday evening, police urged caution over personal safety.
The annual peak for the Christmas party season has been called “Black Friday” by emergency services.
Supt Phil Davies of South Wales Police said the force had a policing plan in place to ensure everyone could enjoy the party atmosphere safely and securely.
He said: “With the wintry weather forecast for the coming days we would encourage everyone to extra care to keep themselves safe.”
“The vast majority of people act responsibly and have a great time, but there are always a few people who are intent on breaking the law and spoiling it for others and we will not tolerate this small minority.”
Volunteers from St John Wales will be treating sick and injured casualties at medical centres in Cardiff, Bridgend, Blackwood and Blaenau Gwent as the festive celebrations get under way.
St John Wales a total of 92 casualties were treated by its volunteers this time last year. Of those casualties, only three needed further medical attention at the Princess of Wales Hospital.
Thousands of partygoers are expected on the streets of Wales on Friday evening With western areas expected to be particularly badly hit by the weather Swansea council said it was making preparations for the combination of the icy roads and pavements and revellers.
Paramedics based in Castle Square will provide first aid triage for people with minor injuries.
While the council said that its grit supplies were fully stocked to enable the fleet of gritters to brave the harsh weather and treat over 40% of the city’s main road network.
Carl Humphrey said: “We have sufficient grit supplies with more on order. Our priority will be to ensure main roads are clear and safe to use.
“Obviously we can’t treat every road in Swansea and I would urge anyone out using untreated roads to use extra care.”
The council has also ensured that 450 grit bins dotted around the city are stocked with salt.
Mr Humphrey added, “These bins are available for residents to use sparingly to treat footways in residential areas.”
Meanwhile the NHS has issued advice to the public on how to stay safe during the wintry conditions.
A&E consultant Mike McCabe of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board said: “We are finding that the majority of fractures and slip injuries are happening within five to 10 metres of people’s homes.
“Their own paths, driveways and gardens are the most dangerous areas. My advice is to stay indoors unless you really have to go outside.
“Don’t worry about putting the bins out or feeding the birds – they can wait. What’s important is that you stay safe during this exceptional cold snap.”
Public transport services have already fallen casualty to the weather, with the cancellation of the 1000 GMT sailing of the Stena Express (Lynx) between Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire.
A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said the company had been preparing for the severe weather conditions in a bid to protect its services.
Commercial director Mike Bagshaw said: “We will be doing our very best to keep services running, however if the weather is as bad as predicted, we would advise our passengers to check their trains before embarking on a journey”.
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