Snow blankets roads across Flintshire; Met Office Amber remains in place until midday
Heavy snow has caused widespread disruption on roads across Flintshire, with a Met Office Amber warning for snow and ice remaining in effect until midday today, Sunday, 5 January.
The Met Office forecast accumulations of 3–7cm in lower areas and up to 30cm on higher ground.
Conditions on major routes such as the A55 and A494 were treacherous early this morning, with gritters and snowploughs working to keep the roads passable.
However, traffic was reduced to a single track in as drivers attempt to navigate the snowy conditions.
Police issued a warning shortly after 6.30am urging drivers to avoid the A494 at Aston Hill due to hazardous weather conditions.
“Due to the extremely poor weather conditions, it is not advisable to travel unless it is essential,” a statement on the North Wales Police Facebook page read.
The post continued: “Traffic heading towards the A494 Aston Hill westbound (heading into Wales) will be diverted away from the area until the carriageway is clearer and made safe for motorists.”
A traffic report for the area stated: “Snow on A494 both ways from A55 North Wales Expressway J34 (Ewloe) to A550 Gladstone Way (Queensferry/Sandycroft Turn Off). Approach with care.”
Traffic Wales has advised motorists to use the Coast Road as an alternative route.
The A494 and A55 appear to be running clear as of 10am.
Flintshire Council confirmed that waste and recycling collections will be impacted buy the weather.
All scheduled waste collections today have been suspended to ensure workforce safety.
Black bins due to be collected on Sunday will now be picked up on Monday, while recycling and food waste collections have been rescheduled for Saturday, 11 January.
Household recycling centres are closed today.
Gritting teams have been deployed across the county to maintain the safety of priority roads.
Approximately 414 miles of Flintshire’s highways are being treated, including key routes connecting communities, according to the council.
Priority will be given to town centres, shopping areas, and roads near hospitals, schools, and residential homes.
Ewloe
Travel Advice
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly has warned of freezing rain, which could create hazardous icy conditions in parts of Wales, the Midlands, and northern England.
Freezing rain forms a glaze of ice on cold surfaces, posing significant risks to drivers and pedestrians.
National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager Darren Clark urged motorists to take precautions: “If you are travelling this weekend, keep your distance and reduce your speed. Gritters will be out treating roads, but it is important to drive to the conditions.”
Motorists are also advised to prepare for winter journeys by packing essentials such as blankets, food, water, and a shovel.
Looking Ahead
As milder air moves in later on Sunday, the rapid thaw of snow could increase the risk of flooding in some areas, particularly those already waterlogged. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from Natural Resources Wales and other authorities.
Colder air is expected to return early next week, bringing further challenges. Deputy Chief Forecaster Dan Holley said: “Temperatures will remain below average, with widespread frost and the risk of ice at times. Some areas, especially in the north, may struggle to get above freezing for several days.”
The public is advised to take extra care during this period of severe weather and stay updated on conditions as they evolve. For emergencies, Flintshire’s Streetscene Contact Centre is available at 01352 701234 from 9am to 5pm.
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