Mountain rescue teams urge caution amid snow in North Wales
Mountain rescue teams across North Wales are urging people to plan carefully or reconsider outdoor trips as snow and ice warnings remain in force until Tuesday.
Forecasted snow has already fallen across many parts of North Wales, including Flintshire, and is continuing today.
Multiple Met Office yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place until Tuesday.
North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) said the fresh snowfall had created beautiful but hazardous conditions for anyone thinking of hiking or walking in the mountains and valleys.
In a statement, the team said: “A snowy landscape is a thing of beauty. However, with snow comes increased risk including plummeting temperatures; more difficulty gaining and maintaining foothold in slippery conditions; and navigating a route as the snow covers the landscape and visibility reduces.”
They warned that even experienced and well-equipped adventurers could face serious challenges.
“In conditions such as today’s, it may take mountain rescue teams longer to reach someone who needs their help. This means that a casualty may be sat for several hours in the ice and snow – creating a real risk of hypothermia,” the statement continued.
“The advice from experienced mountain rescue volunteers in today’s conditions is to reconsider if your plans involve travelling to more remote areas – the mountains and valleys will still be there when the weather conditions are less severe.”
NEWSAR added that anyone still planning to head outdoors should research their route carefully, understand the risks, and carry proper snow equipment and warm clothing in case of delays.
Matthew Lehnert is a Met Office Chief Meteorologist. He said: “As we begin the first full working week of the year, we face a range of winter weather hazards with snow showers and ice.
“In the north of Scotland, snow showers are expected to become more frequent on Sunday night with some locations within the Amber warning areas seeing a further 20-30 cm accumulate by Monday morning.
“Elsewhere in the UK, snow showers, ice and frost are expected at times but milder air will make attempts to spread eastward from Tuesday. This will mean rain becomes more likely in the south, but there is also the possibility of more organised snow along the boundary of the mild and cold airmasses. Strong winds could also be a feature later in the week.”
It is likely that the forecast will evolve and therefore important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings and plan ahead.
More information about staying safe while exploring outdoors is available at the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association website: https://www.nwmra.org/media
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