Schools close across Wales after freezing temperatures

Schools have been closed across Wales following freezing temperatures overnight as forecasters warn of heavy snowfall to come on Thursday.

More than 25 schools have been shut in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Conwy, with at least 81 set to remain closed tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued an amber "be prepared" warning for much of Wales.

Long delays and cancellations could hit bus, rail and air travel.

Many schools in Neath Port Talbot, Caerphilly and Torfaen, have already advised parents they will be shut on Thursday.

Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Ceredigion and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils have advised all schools to shut on Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, panic buying has been reported in Torfaen with supermarket Tesco issuing a statement.

A spokesman said: "We apologise to customers at our Pontypool store. We restock our shelves on a regular basis and are expecting our next scheduled delivery to arrive as normal."

Abacare, which provides home care services in Powys, is organising 4x4 transport and respite in homes for those who live in areas that could become hard to reach.

A yellow "be aware" warning of wind and snow is in place for all local authority areas, apart from Anglesey, from 09:00 GMT Thursday.

Then, from 12:00, the severity escalates to amber with snow and ice predicted for 15 council areas, in mid and south Wales.

The Met Office's chief forecaster said about 10-20cm (8in) would fall widely, with up to 50cm (20in) in some areas covered by the warning.

School closure information