Traffic Wales: Warning as snow brings poor driving conditions on A55 in Flintshire

Drivers are being warned about poor driving conditions on the A55 in Flintshire this morning, Saturday 10 December.

A number of weather warnings are in place across the country for wintry hazards as the cold weather continues into next week.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for snow and ice in Flintshire this weekend.

Initially, an alert for icy conditions was in place locally, overnight the Met Office added a warning for snow across north Wales and Cheshire until 12pm on Sunday.

Motorists have been urged to take extra care following freezing overnight temperatures and snow showers this morning.

Driving conditions between Ewloe Loop and Bodelwyddan are said to be poor.

North Wales Police have asked drivers to “slow down and stay safe.”

Police tweeted: “If you have to travel, please drive according to the conditions and remember to leave a greater distance between you and the car in front. Please take extra care on the roads”

Traffic cameras show snow settling on the A55 carriageway at Holywell, Caerwys and ayt Pant y Dulath on the border between Denbighshire and Flintshire.

⚠️Poor driving conditions

Poor driving conditions on the #A55 near J25 Bodelwyddan and J34 Ewloe Loop

Allow additional time for your journey and slow down.

Drive to the conditions. pic.twitter.com/J8iyBbvlzJ

— Traffic Wales North & Mid (@TrafficWalesN) December 10, 2022

Driving in snow and ice

Always adjust your driving according to the conditions and plan your journey by checking the latest weather forecast. You can also look for clues on road conditions such as ice on the pavement or on your windscreen before you start your journey and take extra care.

National Highways and the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland look after motorways and major A roads, and local authorities look after all the other roads, working as hard as they can to keep their networks clear during severe weather. Read more – how do the gritters know when to go out?

Change your route if possible for better conditions

• Stick to the main roads where you can. You should drive with care and respect the road conditions wherever you drive, but if you cannot avoid driving on a minor road, take extra care
• Only travel if really necessary. Snow ploughs are unable to get through if the road or motorway is full of stationary traffic, so do not make journeys unless completely necessary to give National Highways and local authorities the space they need to help you on your journey
• Avoid steep hills and exposed roads hills and exposed areas are likely to present more challenging driving conditions in snow and ice

Make necessary preparations before you set off

• Clear your windscreen of snow, frost or condensation. The Highway Code stipulates you must be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle
• Clear any snow off the roof of the vehicle before you drive away, otherwise you may cause snow to fall on your windscreen hampering your vision. Read about the dangers of driving with snow on your car from RAC

Useful tips for driving in snow

1. Accelerate gently, using low revs. You may need to take off in second gear to avoid skidding
2. You may need 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front
3. Try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you could skid further
4. Be extra cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible
5. Read more tips from RAC about driving in snow.

Be aware

Look out for winter service vehicles spreading salt or using snow ploughs. They have flashing amber beacons and travel at slower speeds – around 40 mph. Stay well back because salt or spray can be thrown across the road. Do not overtake unless it is safe to do so – there may be uncleared snow on the road ahead.