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Wales snow and ice weather warnings shut schools

Dylan Greeneand

Danielle Herbert,BBC Wales

Richard SmithLucy O | BBC Weather Watchers

Richard Smith captured this stunning image of the snow-covered peak of Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon

Some have been able to enjoy the snowy conditions at Cwmaman, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Snow and ice weather warnings will continue across Wales into Tuesday, with an arctic airmass forecast to bring more disruption.

It comes as schools return from their Christmas holidays, with many forced to close on Monday morning in Gwynedd, Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend county, Caerphilly, Pembrokeshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice is in place in parts of north and west Wales until 11:00 GMT on Tuesday.

The cold weather will continue after that, seeing a “continuation of wintry showers” as well as a mix of rain, sleet and snow later in the day.

National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales will be closed until 13:00 GMT on Monday due to snow

Monday morning saw poor conditions for many drivers, particularly across parts of Gwynedd and Anglesey.

North Wales Police reported several stranded motorists on the A487 south of Caernarfon heading towards Garndolbenmaen, Gwynedd.

“We are advising motorists to only travel if absolutely necessary, however, if you must travel, please allow plenty of time for your journey and remember to keep a safe stopping distance at all times,” they added.

Dyfed-Powys Police said road conditions were extremely poor across Haverfordwest due to snow and ice and advised people to only travel if necessary.

Gwynfor Coaches, which runs buses in Anglesey, Caernarfon, Llanberis and Snowdonia, also suspended some services due to rural roads being “completely unsafe, and drivers unable to come in to work”.

Newport County postponed its Sunday League Two fixture against Tranmere Rovers at Rodney Parade because the pitch was unplayable.

BBC Weather Watchers/Janey G

A sunny but cold landscape in Fachwen, Gwynedd

The snow also saw the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, Conwy, close its doors for the day on Monday after snow created a potential hazard for the animals, zookeepers and visitors.

Chris Mitchell, CEO, said the zoo was “constantly monitoring our animals’ behaviours and at times such as this when the weather shifts, we look at how they respond and assess where needs may change”.

“With extra heating, bedding and some special treats, we’ll ensure they stay safe and warm whilst this cold weather continues to bite,” he added.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Welsh Mountain Zoo gave its animals extra bedding and treats to cope with the snow

Earlier, the Met Office had warned some places to expect up to 10cm (4in) of snow by late Sunday morning in places likes Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Ch Insp Emma Parry from North Wales Police said: “We’d ask everyone to please consider the weather conditions before venturing out, and stay away from mountainous or higher areas particularly affected.

“If you are travelling, please check your routes and the weather along the way and at your end destination.

“Please be reassured that we are working with our partners and are here to support our communities.”

Will it snow tomorrow?

The current Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice is in place until Tuesday at 11:00 GMT.

The Met Office has said Tuesday “will see a continuation of wintry showers” at first across parts of Wales and southwest England.

A mix of rain, sleet and snow will move across Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it will reach Wales later on Tuesday.

There will be a dry start to Wednesday but it is expected to turn unsettled. Periods of heavy rain, and perhaps hill snow, could bring some travel disruption at times.

How to drive in snow and ice

What winter essentials should be in your car?

Driving in snow and ice can be difficult, but careful preparations for such conditions can help.

Having winter tyres for extra grip, topping up screen wash and using antifreeze are all measures that can go a long way.

It is also important to prepare for journeys to take longer and check traffic reports before setting off.

If you get stuck, do not try to keep moving if the wheels spin – it will only dig you in deeper.

Ruth Davies | BBC Weather Watchers

Pets, like humans, can also feel the effects of the cold weather.

How to look after dogs, cats and other pets in cold weather

Like humans, animals can be at risk of hypothermia if they become too cold.

Raising their beds off the ground can keep older dogs away from draughts, while cats may like playing or resting in high-up dens or on climbing posts.

Experts recommend extra play time to make sure pets keep active if they are spending less time outside. Indoor toys can help.

Your pet may want to eat more to help keep their body temperature up.

At the same time, they may also want to drink less, but make sure they have constant access to fresh drinking water to avoid the risk of dehydration.

You can find out more here.

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