Whilst snowfall hasn’t been as heavy as expected in some parts of the county, the wind has caused a few problems overnight in Ceredigion, both in relation to drifting snow and fallen trees and we are also now experiencing freezing rain in some areas.
Freezing rain has already started to fall in some parts of the county, Friday, 02 March, which may cause roads to become treacherous. We strongly advise against all but absolutely essential travel, and that extreme caution should be exercised if journeys are deemed necessary.
Ceredigion County Council crews have been working through the night trying to keep the primary routes clear. Highways crews have been utilising fleet of 12 gritting vehicles (fitted with snow ploughs) to keep Ceredigion moving as much as possible, in addition to 3 snow blowers, and supported by external contractors.
Councillor Ray Quant MBE, the Cabinet member responsible for Technical Services said, “In Ceredigion, we saw more drifting snow and high winds take hold, with snow in northern parts of the county. With procedures in place, the crews worked tirelessly to do what they could but conditions were proving difficult overnight. Work continues today and resources will be deployed as priorities dictate.”
6 roads were closed at 5:30 this morning, with crews working to ensure the roads are passable before reopening. At first light on Friday, Contractors with snow blowers were brought in to attend to the routes affected by snow, and also separately to deal with fallen trees.
As of 1pm, the A44; A4120 Pisgah to Ponterwyd and B4343 Tregaron to Pontrhydfendigaid were still closed. All other primary gritting routes are passable with extreme care.
Due to the continued period of wintery weather the Household Waste Sites in Ceredigion will be closed on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 March.
There is a likelihood that waste collections will also be affected into next week. This will be down to access and resource issues arising from support being provided by the waste team to the Council’s response to the impacts of the weather.
As the conditions and the level of service the Council are therefore able to provide are liable to change at short notice regular updates will be provided on the Council’s website and social media platforms. Information is also available by phone during office hours on 01545 572572. The Council would, again, like to thank the public for their understanding in these challenging circumstances.
Information on the weather situation is provided by the Met Office www.metoffice.gov.uk/
02/03/2018