Gwynedd prepares for more severe weather
Date: 08/01/2026
With the Met Office warning that more severe weather is on its way as Storm Goretti approaches, Cyngor Gwynedd continues to urge people to take care if they are venturing out.
Since Friday (2 January), snow had blanketed parts of the county with temperatures plummeting below –9°C in Meirionnydd. Although the weather had improved by Tuesday, conditions remained challenging as the snow on the ground compacted under-foot and on minor roads resulting in slippery surfaces.
Temperatures have risen by mid-week and now the authorities are keeping an eye on another storm developing, with the possibility that it could bring more wintry weather to this part of Wales by the end of the week and further weather warnings issued.
Over this period, Cyngor Gwynedd staff have been working around the clock to grit the network of the county's main roads and to keep the most vulnerable people in our communities safe. Around 4,500 tons of grit has been used, and a network of 680 miles of county roads have been treated on average twice a day.
Councillor June Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for the Highways Services, said:
“Driving conditions have improved but I continue to encourage people to check the weather forecast before going out, especially with Storm Goretti on the horizon. I urge people to take care and drive to the conditions – although the snow has melted in many areas the roads and pavements can still be slippery.
“During periods of severe weather – as we have seen in Gwynedd over the past few days – our officers will keep a close eye on detailed forecasts from the Met Office. Our fleet of gritting vehicles will be sent out on their rounds in accordance with the conditions. Normally, the first circuit will begin in the evening, with another late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
“The main priority roads are class A roads, roads to hospitals, public transport routes and roads to schools. Once this work is complete, officers will move on to treat the smaller roads, which are class B.
“I am very grateful to the officers for their hard work under difficult conditions. Some of the drivers had to walk to work because their cars couldn't get to the gritting depots.”
While understanding that the disruption to travel caused by the weather has been frustrating for many, the Council notes that extreme weather can prevent grit from working efficiently.
Councillor June Jones explained: “Salt grit helps to prevent water on the road from freezing. But unfortunately, if the temperature drops below around -7°C, it doesn’t work effectively and frost can form.
“Similarly, if it snows heavily over a layer of grit, the salt doesn't work efficiently and the snow and ice don't melt. In such a situation, our staff will use a plough to clear the snow, but this slows down the work."
Notes
For guidance on how to prepare for severe weather, please visit Cyngor Gwynedd’s website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/emergency
The public are urged to check weather conditions and travel networks before venturing out. Useful information is available on social media: