More snow showers expected

FURTHER scattered sleet and snow showers are expected for Carmarthenshire this afternoon and evening, according to the latest weather forecast.

The showers will mainly be of sleet at lower levels but will fall as snow over higher roads with localised accumulations likely. Road surface temperatures are likely to fall below zero during snow showers this afternoon.

Drivers are therefore being reminded to take extra care, particularly during this afternoon’s rush hour and when driving on untreated roads.

Council gritting teams were out last night between 6pm and 10pm and again this morning between 4am to 8am. Additional crews have also been patrolling today and gritting footways and pedestrian areas including the town centres.

Heavy snow showers in the Carmarthen area this morning caused some traffic disruption which was exacerbated by additional vehicle traffic due to closures of some schools and offices. Some road traffic accidents were also reported. All main roads are open, however, motorists should take care, particularly on untreated roads.

In the eastern part of the county, the Llandovery area was the worst hit with three to four inches of snow in some areas. The A483 Sugar Loaf was closed due to a lorry slewed across the carriageway but is now open. No major problems in other areas with all trunk and primary routes open, however, drivers again should be careful on minor roads.

Overnight it will be predominantly dry with clear spells and widespread ice, however, isolated sleet or snow showers cannot be ruled out. It will be dry, cold and icy tomorrow morning with road surface temperatures again below zero with widespread ice.

Council gritting team swill be working throughout the weekend and staff will be on standby 24-hours-a-day.

The council is well prepared for the winter with over 12,000 tonnes of salt in stock. Residents are being reminded that priority is given to trunk and principal routes such as roads leading to hospitals, ambulance stations, fire stations, railway stations, bus garages, important bus routes, slip roads and known trouble spots. Secondary priority is given to shopping streets, other trouble and accident spots and other bus routes.
Executive board member for technical services Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Our gritting teams are working extremely hard at the moment and given the weather forecast are likely to remain busy well into next week.

“We do all we can to keep the roads safe during the winter, however, there have already been some accidents reported. We cannot stress enough that motorists should be mindful of the road conditions and drive accordingly.”

Winter driving advice:

• Drive carefully, with smooth, gentle application of accelerator, steering and, particularly, brakes. If the vehicle starts to skid, gently lift off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid.
• Be aware of black ice.
• If the road has not been gritted, be wary of driving in the wheeltracks of other vehicles as compressed snow is likely to be more icy than undisturbed snow.
• Allow plenty of time for your journey and make sure you have a full tank of fuel. Try to avoid travelling at dusk or in the dark.
• Watch your speed and remember that cyclists and pedestrians, as well as other vehicles, will be less visible.
• Make sure all the windows are clear of snow, properly de-iced and de-misted before you set out.
• Make sure that the windscreen washer bottle is topped up, and contains the correct ratio of screenwash to ensure maximum cleaning and to prevent it freezing.

• Make sure you carry a spade, wellies and a torch with spare batteries and a mobile phone that is fully charged. Keep a bottle of water and high-energy food, such as chocolate, in case you break down or become stranded. Carry extra clothing, including a warm coat, gloves and hat. A high-visibility jacket is also recommended.