North Wales enters seventh day of cold snap with Storm Goretti looming
Another weather alert is in force as winter weather continues to impact the region
North Wales remains in the grip of bad winter weather. There has been major disruption across the roads network as the winter cold snap enters the seventh day. Schools were again closed across the region yesterday (Tuesday).
Heavy snowfall and ice has made driving condition treacherous across parts of North Wales, with a weather alert for ice in place this morning.
The Met Office has since flagged the looming menace of Storm Goretti on Thursday. Even then, North Wales may not be out of the woods.
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Winter wonderland in Denbighshire
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BBC weatherman Derek Brockway has explained how rain will turn to snow as Storm Goretti sweeps in:
A yellow weather alert is currently in force for parts of North Wales amid cold snap. Read the full story here.
Parts of North Wales are under a yellow alert for ice:
Winter weather continues to have an impact on the region's network. Read the full story here.
A Conwy Council gritting lorry out on the county's roads(Image: Conwy Council)
Only one school in Gwynedd is currently reported closed due to the winter weather - Ysgol Bro Idris - Safle Uwchradd.
All other schools across North Wales are reported open.
A yellow alert for ice is in force for parts of North Wales this morning until 10am, covering Wrexham, Denbighshire and Gwynedd.
People have been urged to take extra care when out an about.
Good morning. I’ll be bringing you further live updates on the weather. Steve Bagnall.
All schools on Anglesey are due to be open tomorrow (Wednesday, January 7).
It follows "individual health and safety assessments as a result of the severe weather".
However, Anglesey Council cautioned the situation may change depending on the weather overnight. The local authority said....
Schools will conduct a further assessment in the morning (if required) and will notify parents as soon as possible if there is any change to this decision.We thank parents, carers and pupils for their understanding and cooperation during these challenging weather conditions. Safety remains our highest priority.
A Conwy Council gritting lorry out on the county's roads(Image: Conwy Council)
Conwy Council will again be deploying its gritting lorries overnight and tomorrow morning.
The council has done some sums and has come up with the following figures for its gritting fleet. So far in 2026, they have:
- Travelled 7,190 miles
- Ploughed 2,495 miles
- Spread 1,385 tonnes of road salt
In 2021, during the Covid pandemic, the council asked the public to help name some of its gritting lorries.
Short-listed names included The Greatest Snow Van, the Grit Escape and Neville Snowfall.
Others were more topical, such as Snowcial Distancing and Professor Chris Whitty Gritty.
Other shortlisted names included Eazy Peazy Anti Freezy, I'm A Celebgritty, Gritasaurus and Snow Donia.
Even when Storm Goretti clears away, Wales may not be out of the woods.
Temperatures are expected to fall away on Saturday and yet another dump of snow is possible on Sunday.
Depending on the system's trajectory, it could produce a sting in the tail for North Wales. You can find details of this event here.
Storm Goretti is due to arrive on Thursday evening and it's being called a 'multi-hazard event'. Here, the Met Office explains what this means.
Even at this range, there's still uncertainty over the storm's exact track. It's currently expected to pass over southern England, bringing snow on its northern edge - primarily in south and mid Wales.
However some weather models continue to show the system tracking further north - whch could yield higher snowfalls for North Wales.
Cyngor Gwynedd has issued a bins collection update following two days of disruption.
The council will make every effort to catch up - but this is weather dependent. Some collections will need to be delayed until next week.
Following the extremely wintry weather over the past few days which has affected Gwynedd communities, our waste and recycling staff will be collecting tomorrow (7/1/26).However, there is a possibility that some collections may be disrupted by the weather in certain areas, and we ask for your patience.If your green bin / recycling / food waste bin is due to be collected tomorrow (07/1/26), please put your waste out as usual and every effort will be made to collect it.Ice and snow has affected collections on Monday, 5 January and Tuesday, 6 January. If your green wheelie bin was not emptied on 5 or 6 January, leave the bin out at the collection point and we will empty it as soon as possible. If your recycling or food waste was not emptied on those days, we will collect it next week on your usual collection day. We apologise for any inconvenience.Gwynedd recycling centres will be open tomorrow for anyone who has made an appointment to attend. However, we ask anyone attending to take care when visiting the sites.
A pick-up in wind speeds is perhaps a sign of a change in the conditions.
Blustery weather has forced Traffic Wales to impose a 30mph speed limit on the A55 Britannia Bridge.
Drivers are being urged to take extra care when crossing.
If there's ane animal you might expect to be revelling in the conditions, it's the snow leopards at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is shut for a second day, with hilly walkways presenting a potential hazard in the icy conditions.
Keepers are committed to ensuring the animals residents stay warm, providing extra heating, bedding and some 'special treats'.
It's eerily quiet at the zoo after it stayed shut for a second day(Image: Welsh Mountain Zoo)
There are few animals to see today - they're all inside, staying warm(Image: Welsh Mountain Zoo)
The snow is starting to disappear from surrounding hillsides(Image: Welsh Mountain Zoo)
Good afternoon, I'm taking over the blog from Steve.
I'll bring you more weather-related updates as we get them.
The Met Office has signalled to people there are more weather alerts - with one for ice for North Wales tomorrow morning - before Storm Goretti hits:
The mass outbreak of illegal parking came as some cars slid down the road in treacherous conditions. Read the full story here.
Drivers parked illegally on the Llanberis Pass had a shock when returning to their vehicles(Image: Chris Fawcett)
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Anglesey County Council has released this update on waste collection services, which have been impacted by the winter weather:
Tuesday waste collection -We are aiming to service all waste collections today (Tuesday 06.01.2026), therefore if you are scheduled for any waste collection today (06.01.2026) please leave your receptacles at the collection point for collection.Penhesgyn and Gwalchmai recycling centres will also be closed for the public today.Monday waste collection - If you were due a black bin collection yesterday (Monday 05.01.2026) our aim is to also service these properties, therefore please leave your black bin at the collection point and they will be emptied.Also, our aim is to service all properties who were expecting nappy or hygiene collections, therefore please leave your yellow tiger bags at the collection point and they will be emptied.Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
The Met Office has these five tips for staying safe in the snow:
1. What to do if you need to drive somewhere?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys:
- Plan your route
- Check for delays and road closures
- Leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off
- Check wipers, tyres and screenwash
- Pack essentials in your car
- Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack
It is safer not to drive in heavy snow and icy conditions but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:
- Using dipped headlights
- Accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible
- Starting in second gear will help with wheel slip
- Maintain a safe and steady speed. Keep your distance from other vehicles
- Keep a constant speed up hills. Leave plenty of room between cars
- Use a low gear to go down hill and try to avoid braking unless necessary
- Steer into skids. Do not take your hands of the wheel or slam on the brakes
You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days. Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need:
- Torches and batteries
- Candles and matches or lighters
- Plenty of blankets and warm clothing.
Following these simple steps will help keep you safe and well if isolated due to snow:
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature, both during the day and at night.
- Turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed to avoid fire risk
- Don’t forget your pets. Create a place where they can be comfortable in severe winter weather.
- Prevent frozen pipes, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
- Stay indoors wearing layers of loose fitting lightweight warm clothing rather than bulky clothing
- Never use a hob or oven to heat your home, they can increase carbon monoxide levels
If you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651
More about keeping your home warm in winter and avoiding frozen or burst pipes
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance and it's easy to do. The essentials that could help you cope with a power cut are:
- candles and matches or lighters,
- torches and batteries,
- a mobile phone power pack
If your power goes out these simple steps can help you deal with the situation:
- Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
- Leave a light on, so you know when the power cut has been fixed.
- Check to see if your neighbours are safe and if they have a power cut too. If they have power, your trip switch may have activated.
- Wrap up. If it's cold, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in.
- Portable heaters are a good alternative if heating systems are down.
- Call 105 for information, it’s a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, stay up to date with the weather in your area.
The Met Office has issued a detailed statement, with Storm Goretti set to impact the UK. It said:
The current cold snap continues, before a deep area of low pressure threatens to bring further snow, strong winds and heavy rain to southern parts of the UK from Thursday night.Meteo France has named the low Storm Goretti, as the worst of the wind impacts are expected to be felt across northern France. Arctic airmass continues, bringing more snow and ice warnings Cold Arctic air remains in place across the UK, with multiple warnings in force. Last night was the coldest night of the winter so far, with temperatures falling to as low as -12.5°C in Marham, Norfolk, while Santam Downham in Suffolk, and Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, both saw a low of -10°C. A number of severe weather warnings remain in place, with cold air leading to the potential for further snow accumulations in Scotland, and a widespread risk of ice across much of the UK. Amber warnings are in place for snow in northern Scotland until 19:00. A yellow warning for snow and ice then follows for the whole of Wednesday. New yellow warnings for ice have been issued for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and much of England and Wales for overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: “A further spell of snow is expected to move east across central and northern Scotland today. Amber warnings are in place until 7pm this evening. “Elsewhere, snow showers will be mixed with rain and sleet and it will be another very cold day, with strengthening winds too. “Overnight, cold air pushes back in with temperatures widely dipping below freezing again. This means there is the risk of further ice overnight and a new yellow weather warnings for ice covers the majority of the UK until Wednesday morning.” Wednesday will be dry for many with sunny spells. Scotland and some western areas may still see some scattered wintry showers and a yellow warning for snow and ice will remain in northern Scotland. Things will continue to feel very cold, although a touch milder than recent days, with strong winds and coastal gales developing in some central and eastern areas of northern Britain. Potentially disruptive winds, heavy rain and further snow Thursday night into Friday A deepening area of low pressure is expected to move across the south of the UK later on Thursday, resulting in wet and windy weather arriving from the west as well as snow on the northern edge of the system. A yellow warning for snow for parts of England and Wales has been issued. Snow accumulations of 5-10cm are possible, with as much as 20cm possible over higher ground in Wales. Warnings are likely to be updated as the detail becomes more certain. Wind will also be a hazard, with a yellow warning for wind issued for the southwest of the UK where gusts of 50-60mph, possibly 70mph around exposed coasts, are possible on Thursday evening. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “A deepening area of low pressure – named Storm Goretti by Meteo France – will move across the south of the UK during Thursday and into Friday. It will clash with the very cold air here, meaning Thursday night could be what we call a ‘multi-hazard’ event, with snow on the northern flank of the low, wind and rain on the southern flank. “We have therefore issued a yellow warning for snow for parts of England and Wales, where heavy snow could lead to disruption and difficult travelling conditions. Strong winds associated with Storm Goretti may also lead to some disruption, and so in addition a yellow wind warning has been issued for southwest England. "The exact track of the low is still uncertain, and these warnings are likely to be amended – and potentially escalated – over the coming days. It is therefore vital people keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts.” Staying cold into the weekend with further disruptive weather possible Temperatures look to stay well-below average into the weekend, with wintry showers and ice still a hazard in places. Saturday will be mostly dry with clear and sunny spells and some wintry showers around coasts in the north. Further unsettled weather is expected to move in on Sunday as an area of low pressure to the northwest of the UK brings rain – which may be heavy at times – from the west during the day, with this potentially turning to snow, with strong winds also a possibility. With this system, milder air will move in from the west, bringing an end to the current cold spell.
The storm could see rural communities being cut off, vehicles stranded and potential power cuts later this week. Read the full story here.
Storm Gorreti is set to hit North Wales with up to 20cm of snow(Image: Met Office)
Another major snowfall has been forecast for Thursday and Friday. Full story to follow
The Met Office has posted a weather map on X, which shows the extent of the weather alert for ice tomorrow:
The cold snap is continuing in the coming days and will bring ongoing disruption. Read the full story here.
A fresh weather alert has been issued(Image: Met Office)
Another weather alert has been issued for North Wales by the Met Office. Full story to follow.
Police have been called to assist three stranded lorries on the A487 in Caernarfon. Story to follow.
It is currently on a collision trajectory with Wales and northern England. Read the full story here.
Snow and rain are in the GFS forecast for Friday, January 9, as low pressure moves east(Image: WXCharts)