Cops Crack Down on ‘Drifting’ Cars as Snow Chaos Unfolds

Snow has blanketed a large part of Wales leading to travel disruptions, with a yellow weather alert for snow and ice currently in effect.

Gwent Police confiscated two vehicles after they intentionally drifted in snow in Newport, and similar behavior was observed by cars in Oakdale, Caerphilly county, prompting officers to warn that reckless driving “will not be tolerated”.

North Wales Police encouraged individuals to “adapt driving to the existing conditions” following multiple accidents on the A55 at Llanddulas, Conwy county, attributed to “extremely poor” weather.

Several sports events were canceled, and there seemed to be instances of panic purchasing, with reports of milk shortages in certain stores.

A stranded lorry obstructed the A44 in both directions at Llangurig in Powys, along with the Lovesgrove roundabout in Capel Dewi and the A469 in Caerphilly, although all routes have since been reopened.

By midday on Sunday, all roads impacted by snow and ice were accessible again, but travelers were still advised to drive carefully.

Transport for Wales informed rail users to verify conditions before traveling, as a landslip in Gobowen, Shropshire, halted operations on the Shrewsbury line towards Wrexham, with bus services in place instead.

Furthermore, they announced that, due to a fallen tree on the track, buses would be replacing trains between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Two flights were redirected to Cardiff Airport after Bristol Airport halted its operations because of the weather conditions. However, Cardiff Airport indicated it was “not anticipating any operational issues” with flights proceeding as usual.

The Met Office lifted an amber weather alert in north Wales by midday.

Nonetheless, a yellow snow and ice warning remains in effect for the remainder of Sunday impacting Anglesey, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, and Wrexham.

Additionally, a new yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for Monday, encompassing Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, and Wrexham, valid until midday.

It has been indicated that individuals in the affected regions should prepare for potential power interruptions and possible travel delays on roads, with some vehicles and passengers stranded, along with postponed or canceled rail and air services.

There exists another yellow rain warning affecting regions of Wales until 06:00 GMT on Monday, with the potential for heavy rain and melting snow leading to localized flooding.

Currently, there are no active flood warnings, although five flood alerts are in effect across various catchments including Vyrnwy, lower Severn, and Nant-Y-Fendrod and Nant Bran.

Natural Resources Wales announced that its officers are ready for potential impacts on the rivers.from the sleet and precipitation.

Chris Carnell, hailing from Caerphilly, mentioned that the passage between Pennar Lane, Newbridge, and Coed Duon View, Pentwynmawr was shut on Saturday evening due to a bus accident. An image depicted a bus skewed across the snow-covered roadway, obstructing it.

Gwent Police shared on Facebook that there were alternate routes on that roadway.

Despite warnings to exercise caution while traveling on Saturday, there were accounts of drivers intentionally drifting their vehicles in the snow in Oakdale, Caerphilly county, and Newport.

Gwent Police confiscated two vehicles for “drifting around recklessly” under adverse conditions in Spytty, Newport, on Saturday night.

In a statement on X, the police asserted that “dangerous, negligent or anti-social driving will not be accepted in Gwent”.

There seemed to be some frenzied purchasing in shops in Brynmawr in Blaenau Gwent as well, with Kay Rees noting “there wasn’t any milk available in the stores” on Saturday, compelling her to attempt again.

Ms. Rees further expressed her hope that the slush wouldn’t freeze, which would make it more difficult for individuals to venture out.

Public Health Wales released cold weather recommendations and advice prior to the weekend weather alerts on its social media platforms.