Storm Goretti brings warning of heavy snow in Wales
Angela Ferguson; Antonia Matthews - BBC Wales
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 12:05 PM UTC
3 min read
Storm Goretti is expected to bring heavy snow to Wales at the end of the week.
The first named storm of the year is part of a new Met Office yellow weather warning for significant snowfall, which runs from 18:00 Thursday until 12:00 GMT on Friday.
"In some areas, 5-10 cm of snow may settle - with the potential for up to 20 cm in some locations," say forecasters.
Up to 20 counties in Wales are expected to be affected by the latest weather warning, with travel disruption and school closures likely to continue.
Snow and ice warnings are currently in place across Wales, bringing widespread disruption, as the new school term begins and many return to work.
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An overnight low of minus 9.6C was recorded in the town of Bala, Gwynedd on Monday and into the early hours of Tuesday.
More than 380 schools were shut for a second day, with closures in Anglesey, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea and Wrexham as motorists faced tricky conditions, after a number of roads were blocked due to snowfall.
Further wintry showers are forecast and a mix of rain, sleet and snow is expected later, with a Met Office spokesperson warning those travelling to allow extra time for journeys.
Current road closures include the A474 Pontardawe Road in Neath Port Talbot, which is blocked in both directions from Waun Penlan (Pontardawe) to the Abernant Road (Cwmgors).
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The A542 Horseshoe Pass in Llangollen, Denbighshire, is also blocked in both directions, between the B5103 (Corwen turn-off, Llangollen) and the A5104 (Wrexham turn-off, Pen-y-Stryt).
At the weekend, residents in Bethesda, Eryri, were treated to the unusual sight of a World War Two all-terrain vehicle making its way around the village.
The Studebaker M29C Weasel was designed to be used in snow and was used in places such as Norway during the war.
Military collector Andrew Singleton, 55, from Bethesda, who bought the Weasel in 2005 and restored it, decided to take it out for a spin on the A5, which was impassable to other vehicles at the time.
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He said the vehicle, which has a maximum speed of 36 mph, "handled beautifully", adding "everybody was pleased to see it".
The amphibious vehicles, designed in Britain and manufactured in the US, were part of the mission to halt Germany's nuclear weapons programme.
Mountain leader and rock climbing instructor Dawn Stanworth, 38, from Bethesda said hitching a ride with a friend around town in the vehicle had "made our day", describing the experience as "really fun"
It "made a lot of people smile", she added.
How to drive in snow and ice
Driving in snow and ice can be difficult, but preparing can help.
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Having winter tyres for extra grip, topping up screen wash and using anti-freeze are all measures that can make winter driving easier.
It is also important to plan your journeys, and to allow extra time and check traffic reports before setting off.
If your car does get stuck, do not try to keep moving if the wheels spin - it will only dig the car in deeper.
How to look after pets in cold weather
Like humans, animals are at risk of hypothermia if they become too cold.
Raising pet beds off the ground can keep older dogs away from draughts, while cats may prefer playing or resting in high dens or on climbing posts.
Experts also recommend extra play time to make sure pets keep active if they are spending less time outside: indoor toys can help.
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Your pet may want to eat more to help maintain their body temperature. They may also drink less, but make sure they have constant access to fresh drinking water to avoid the risk of dehydration.
You can find out more here.