Swansea escapes Storm Goretti snow – but Wales still hit by thundersnow, travel chaos and power cuts

While South West Wales’ main urban centres saw rain instead of the heavy snow forecast, conditions elsewhere deteriorated sharply, with parts of Pembrokeshire even experiencing rare thundersnow as schools shut, rail lines suspended, mountain roads closed and hundreds of homes left without power.

Mountain routes shut as blizzards hit higher ground

The Bwlch mountain road (A4107) was closed at 7pm on Thursday after conditions became unsafe. The joint decision by Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils followed reports of drifting snow and falling temperatures. The route reopened shortly after 8am today.

Pembrokeshire saw some of the worst conditions, with heavy snow, sleet and strong winds creating hazardous driving on higher ground. The B4329 between Haverfordwest and Cardigan, which crosses the Preseli Hills, remained closed for long periods as blizzards hit the route.

Issues were also reported on the B4313 between Fishguard and Narberth, where drifting snow made conditions treacherous across the northern foothills.

Further south, the A478 from Clunderwen to Cardigan saw significant snow in places, with drivers warned to avoid higher ground as accumulations built up.

Council teams worked through the night to clear fallen trees, deal with surface water flooding and keep primary routes open.

Thundersnow caught on camera in Pembrokeshire

A dramatic burst of thundersnow was captured in Pembrokeshire overnight, with lightning illuminating heavy snowfall as Storm Goretti swept across the county.

Local resident Harvey Harbour filmed the moment and shared it on X, showing bright flashes lighting up the sky as snow fell across the area.

You can watch the video here:

Thundersnow!⚡❄️
Pembrokeshire
Never experienced anything like this…😰#uksnow #walesnow
#thundersnow #lightning#pembrokeshire #snow pic.twitter.com/OXONFBBzFM

What is thundersnow?

Thundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon where a thunderstorm produces snow instead of rain.

It happens when a strong, unstable weather system forms above very cold air at ground level. The storm still generates lightning and thunder, but the precipitation falls as snow.

The lightning often appears brighter because it reflects off the snowflakes, while the thunder sounds quieter because the snow absorbs the sound.

Thundersnow can bring sudden heavy downpours of snow, reduced visibility and rapidly worsening road conditions.

Rail disruption continues across Wales

Transport for Wales services remain heavily affected, with suspensions and reduced timetables on several lines following snow, ice and fallen trees.

Routes impacted include:

• Craven Arms to Swansea (Heart of Wales Line)
• West of Carmarthen
• Maesteg to Ebbw
• Wrexham to Bidston
• Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog

CrossCountry services between Cardiff and Birmingham are not running, and passengers are being urged to check before travelling.

Your earlier Swansea Bay News reporting highlighted “do not travel” warnings issued yesterday as rail operators shut lines ahead of the storm.

Schools shut and power cuts reported

Across Wales, at least 150 schools are closed today, with Powys, Blaenau Gwent and Wrexham among the worst affected.

Around 600 homes were without power this morning, with further outages reported in north and mid Wales. Pembrokeshire also saw power cuts around Clunderwen and Bridell, alongside burst water mains in Haverfordwest.

Emergency services across Ceredigion and Powys reported “numerous incidents” overnight, with police urging people to avoid all but essential travel.

Swansea spared – but warnings remain in force

Despite fears of thundersnow and blizzard conditions reaching Swansea Bay, the city avoided the worst of the storm, with rain and sleet falling instead of snow.

However, Amber and Yellow warnings for snow, rain and wind remain in place across much of Wales, and forecasters say conditions may continue to change through the day.

Bridgend Council said all routes in the county borough remain open after crews dealt with fallen trees and blocked drains overnight.

What happens next

The Met Office says Storm Goretti remains a “multi‑hazard event”, with snow, strong winds and heavy rain still expected to bring disruption in parts of Wales.

Gusts of up to 70mph are forecast along the south coast, while higher ground in mid and north Wales may see further snow and ice as temperatures fluctuate.

Swansea Bay News will continue to update readers as the situation develops.

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Storm Goretti: ‘Do Not Travel’ warning as rail lines shut and Wales braces for blizzard conditions

Digital boards at Cardiff Central are already flashing the message as Transport for Wales and Network Rail prepare to close multiple lines from 3pm today, with more disruption expected overnight.

It follows our earlier report revealing that amber and yellow Met Office warnings had been split across South West Wales, with forecasters warning of up to 30cm of snow, heavy rain in lower lying areas, 50mph winds and the risk of power cuts, fallen trees and dangerous road conditions.

Now the situation has escalated again.

Amber warning hits tonight — huge area affected

The Met Office’s amber warning for snow kicks in at 8pm tonight and runs until 9am Friday, covering a huge stretch of Wales including:

• Carmarthenshire
• Ceredigion
• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Gwynedd
• Powys
• Blaenau Gwent
• Caerphilly
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Monmouthshire
• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Torfaen
• Wrexham

Forecasters say travel could become “very difficult or impossible”, with the risk of power outages, localised flooding, and roads blocked by snow and fallen trees.

Rail chaos: lines shut, buses unlikely, and a skeleton timetable

TfW says trains will run normally this morning — but from 3pm, the network will be hit by widespread suspensions, including all services west of Carmarthen and the Heart of Wales Line.

Routes suspended from 3pm

• Llandudno Junction to Llandudno
• Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog
• Wrexham to Bidston
• Craven Arms to Swansea (Heart of Wales Line)
• All services west of Carmarthen
• Maesteg and Ebbw Vale lines
• Vale of Glamorgan and Barry lines
• Cardiff to Penarth

The Cambrian Coast line (Machynlleth–Pwllheli) is suspended all day.

Reduced timetable from 3pm

• Carmarthen to Cardiff: 1 train per hour
• Cardiff to Crewe: 1 train per hour
• Shrewsbury to Holyhead: 1 train per hour
• Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth: 1 train every 2 hours
• Shrewsbury to Crewe (local): 1 train every 2 hours
• Birmingham International to Shrewsbury:
• Cardiff to Gloucester: 1 train per hour
• Chester to Manchester: 1 train per hour

Core Valley Lines will run 1 train per hour between Treherbert, Merthyr, Rhymney and Cardiff, plus a half‑hourly Coryton–Cardiff Bay service.

A reduced timetable will run elsewhere, but TfW warns that rail replacement buses may not be possible because roads are already becoming treacherous.

Network Rail: “We may need to close more lines”

Network Rail says snow, sleet and freezing temperatures are already affecting points, signalling and track conditions — and more closures could follow as the storm intensifies.

Teams are out clearing drainage, checking point heaters, running snow‑treatment trains and positioning chainsaw crews to deal with fallen trees.

TfW: “Platforms will be slippery — take extra care”

TfW says passengers should expect severe delays, slippery platforms and last‑minute cancellations.

Tickets for today will be valid until Sunday.

Passengers should check:

• www.nationalrail.co.uk
• livemap.tfw.wales

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Storm Goretti: Amber and yellow warnings split South West Wales as Met Office updates forecast

While some communities face heavy rain, others are braced for significant snowfall, and higher ground could see amber‑level disruption as the storm moves in on Thursday night and into Friday.

The updated warnings come just 24 hours after Swansea Bay News’ original report, with forecasters now warning that Storm Goretti will be a “multi‑hazard event” bringing snow, strong winds and heavy rain.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said:

“Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many.”

⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️

Snow across parts of England and Wales

Thursday 2000 – Friday 0900

Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs

Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/E5uNBZR6wY

What’s now expected across South West Wales?

The Met Office’s latest update shows a patchwork of warnings across our area:

🌧️ Yellow warning – Heavy rain

Some coastal and low‑lying parts of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire are now under a yellow rain warning, with the risk of localised flooding and difficult driving conditions.

❄️ Yellow warning – Snow

Higher ground inland — including parts of the Swansea and Neath valleys, the Amman Valley and northern Carmarthenshire — are covered by a yellow snow warning, with several centimetres possible.

🟧 Amber warning – Snow

The most serious alert now affects parts of mid and north Carmarthenshire and the Brecon Beacons, where 15–25cm of snow is possible, and up to 30cm on the highest routes.

This is expected to cause significant travel disruption, especially overnight Thursday into Friday morning.

Neil Armstrong added:

“Accumulations of 5–10 cm are likely widely, with 15–25 cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30 cm very locally.”

Strong winds also expected

Although the strongest winds will hit the Channel Islands and northern France, Storm Goretti will still bring gusts of 50–60mph to parts of Wales, especially exposed coasts and hills.

Travel disruption likely

The Met Office warns that:

• Roads may become impassable in amber snow areas
• Bus and train services could face delays or cancellations
• Rain may cause surface water flooding in low‑lying areas
• Icy conditions are likely overnight

The RAC is urging drivers to think carefully before travelling.

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said:

“In the areas worst affected by Storm Goretti, drivers need to be considering if it’s safe to get behind the wheel.”

What happens after Storm Goretti?

The storm is expected to move eastwards by Friday evening, giving way to a brief calmer spell on Saturday. But forecasters warn that Sunday and Monday are highly uncertain, with the possibility of further widespread snowfall as milder Atlantic air clashes with the cold air currently over the UK.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said:

“This set up brings a risk of some further widespread snowfall, so it’s important to stay aware of the forecast and any warnings which may be issued.”

Another amber alert: South West Wales braced for torrential rain on Monday

The Met Office says up to 200mm of rain could fall in parts of Wales and Cumbria over 48 hours, with Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire all sitting squarely in the amber zone.

And it’s not the first time. South West Wales has already endured three Amber warnings and five Yellow warnings in the past month alone – a relentless barrage of alerts that’s left roads saturated, rivers swollen and communities braced for more disruption.

The warning kicks in Monday morning, with heavy rain expected to lash the region throughout the day. Roads including the A40, A48, A465 and M4 are likely to be affected, and drivers are being urged to plan ahead.

“A slow-moving weather front stretching into the tropical Atlantic will continue to bring adverse conditions,” said Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen.

The Environment Agency has also sounded the alarm, warning of possible surface water flooding and urging drivers not to take risks.

“Just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car,” said Flood Duty Manager Jonathan Day. “Don’t drive through flood water — it’s often deeper than it looks.”

While the south of England stays dry and bright, Wales is once again in the firing line. The amber warning follows a string of recent alerts, with saturated ground and swollen rivers increasing the risk of disruption.

Looking ahead, Tuesday may bring a brief break in the rain — but forecasters say another Atlantic low is already lining up for Wednesday, bringing more wet and windy weather to western Britain.

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Storm Bram set to batter South West Wales with rain and wind alerts

Amber alerts for flooding risk

The Met Office says the storm will bring very heavy rain and strong winds through Monday night into Tuesday, with saturated ground raising fears of flooding.

Amber warnings for rain are in force from midnight until 10am on Tuesday in Pontardawe, Neath and Maesteg, with the potential for flooding and travel disruption during the morning rush hour.

Yellow warnings for rain cover Swansea, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Haverfordwest and Maesteg, while Carmarthen and Haverfordwest also face yellow wind alerts overnight.

“Very wet and windy spell” warns forecaster

Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Suri said:

“Storm Bram will bring a very wet and windy spell of weather, with very strong winds and further heavy rain which, falling over saturated ground, could cause flooding impacts. Gusts of 50–60mph, and perhaps 70mph in a few spots, are expected across Wales.”

Rainfall totals could reach up to 100mm over higher ground in South Wales, prompting warnings that alerts may be updated as conditions worsen.

RoSPA urges extra precautions

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned that Storm Bram poses risks not only outdoors but also in homes and on the roads.

Steve Cole, Policy Director at RoSPA, said:

“Storm Bram isn’t just a risk outdoors; homes may be vulnerable too. Secure garden furniture, bins, and anything that could blow away or cause damage. Indoors, make sure windows and doors are firmly shut and keep an emergency kit ready.”

RoSPA is advising people to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in amber warning areas.
• Keep mobile phones charged in case of power cuts.
• Secure outdoor items such as bins and garden furniture.
• Prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries and food.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbours.

On the roads, RoSPA warns that rain doubles stopping distances and aquaplaning can happen in seconds. Drivers are urged to slow down, keep their distance, and never attempt to drive through floodwater.

Natural Resources Wales urges vigilance

Charlotte Morgan, Duty Tactical Manager at Natural Resources Wales, said:

“We are asking people to be alert for potential flooding with heavy rain predicted through today and overnight, especially in parts of South Wales.

With some rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued. We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now.”

Residents are being reminded to keep away from swollen riverbanks, avoid driving or walking through flood waters, and prepare flood kits with documents, medication and valuables.

Staying safe in the storm

Authorities advise securing loose objects such as garden furniture, fastening doors and windows, and parking vehicles away from trees and walls.

The Met Office’s WeatherReady pages provide further advice on storm safety and flood alerts, updated every 15 minutes.

What’s next

Storm Bram will slowly move northwards on Wednesday, leaving South West Wales with showers and blustery conditions. Thursday is expected to bring a drier spell for many, though frost is possible in central and eastern areas.

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Cwmbwrla Roundabout closed again as floodwaters rise under amber weather warning

Cwmbwrla Roundabout has been closed once again due to flooding, as South West Wales braces for heavy rain under an amber weather warning issued by the Met Office.

Swansea Council confirmed the closure early Monday morning, citing rising water levels on the road surface around the roundabout.

“We have closed the roundabout as a precaution and to prevent motorists from attempting to drive through and get into trouble,” the council said in a social media post. “We will continue to monitor during the day and reopen as soon as water levels have reduced.”

The closure comes just days after the Met Office upgraded its warning for the region, with forecasters predicting widespread disruption from persistent rainfall. Read our full weather warning coverage.

A recurring issue

Cwmbwrla Roundabout has faced repeated closures over the past year, with residents and councillors raising concerns about drainage and infrastructure failures.

Previous flooding incidents have been linked to a collapsed culvert, not surface drains — a distinction confirmed by the council following earlier clean-up operations.

The nearby Cwmfelin Social Club, which sat on the edge of a giant sinkhole for two years, was recently demolished — part of wider efforts to stabilise the area.

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South Wales braces for floods as amber warning upgraded

South Wales is braced for a day of disruption on Monday, 1 December, as the Met Office’s amber warning for rain has been upgraded and extended, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) warning of flooding, landslides and travel chaos.

The warning, in force from midnight until 11.59pm, now stretches north into Ceredigion while some southern coastal areas have been removed. It covers Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Cardiff, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Pembrokeshire, Powys and more, with the rest of Wales under a yellow warning.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1995107985983459657

Rivers already swollen

NRW says rivers are already high and the ground saturated, meaning flood alerts and warnings are expected from Sunday evening into Monday morning. Surface water flooding is also likely, particularly in urban and low‑lying areas.

Richard Preece, NRW’s Duty Tactical Manager, said:

“The Amber and Yellow rain warnings in place from the early hours of Monday are expected to bring significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued, with flood warnings indicating flooding is expected.”

Up to 120mm of rain forecast

The Met Office says rainfall totals could reach 100–120mm over higher ground, with 60–80mm likely across hills and 20–40mm in lower areas. Fast‑flowing or deep floodwater is possible, posing a danger to life.

Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks said:

“Heavy rain will move over south Wales from late Sunday and through Monday. Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected over the highest ground in south Wales.”

⚠️ Flood alert levels explained

Flood Alert
Flooding is possible – be prepared.

Flood Warning
Flooding is expected – immediate action required.

Severe Flood Warning
Severe flooding – danger to life.

Check updates every 15 minutes at naturalresources.wales/flooding.

Landslide risk

The British Geological Survey has warned that rainfall of this magnitude has previously triggered landslides in Wales, with natural and infrastructure slopes at risk. Roads and railways could be disrupted, particularly in areas with long diversion routes.

Advice to residents

NRW is urging people to:

• Move vehicles and valuables to higher ground
• Prepare a flood kit with documents, medication and essentials
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwater
• Check local alerts via naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188

Flood alerts and warnings are updated every 15 minutes. NRW teams are working with the Flood Forecasting Centre, emergency responders and local authorities to monitor conditions and issue updates.

Beyond Monday, forecasters expect a changeable week, with low pressure bringing a mix of rain, showers and occasional sunny spells.

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Explore the latest stories on climate, conservation, and sustainability across Swansea Bay and South Wales. From flood alerts and weather warnings to local green initiatives, stay informed on the issues shaping our environment.

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Amber weather warning issued for South Wales as heavy rain forecast

The warning comes into effect in the early hours of Monday, 1 December, and is expected to remain in place throughout the day, with heavy rain continuing into Tuesday morning.

According to the Met Office, rainfall totals could reach 100–120mm over higher ground, with 60–80mm expected across many hills and 20–40mm at lower levels.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said:

“Heavy rain will move over South Wales from late Sunday and through Monday. This is a developing forecast, so it’s important to stay up to date with Met Office warnings in the coming days.”

The warning covers a wide area including Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, and parts of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Natural Resources Wales has urged residents to prepare for possible flooding, especially with rivers already swollen and ground conditions saturated.

🌊 How to stay safe during flooding

Check your flood risk
Visit naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 to see if your area is at risk.

Prepare a flood kit
Include important documents, medication, phone chargers, and emergency contact numbers.

Move valuables
Relocate treasured possessions and electronics upstairs or to higher shelves.

Protect your vehicle
Move your car to higher ground if flooding is forecast nearby.

Avoid floodwaters
Never walk or drive through floodwater — it may be deeper or faster than it looks.

Stay informed
Follow Met Office and NRW updates for the latest warnings and advice.

Richard Preece, Duty Tactical Manager at NRW, said:

“We expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued. Surface water issues are also likely. We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations now.”

He added that people should avoid swollen riverbanks and never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

NRW recommends preparing a flood kit with essential documents and medication, moving vehicles to higher ground, and relocating valuable items upstairs.

For the latest flood alerts, residents can visit naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Beyond Monday, forecasters expect a changeable week of weather, with low pressure bringing a mix of rain, showers, and occasional sunny spells.

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Recent flooding across Swansea and Carmarthenshire

The Amber warning follows a series of severe flooding incidents across South West Wales in recent weeks.

In Carmarthenshire, a major incident was declared after torrential rain triggered widespread disruption and emergency rescues. Fire crews were called to Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary near Kidwelly, where 34 animals had to be rescued from rising floodwaters. The sanctuary was left devastated, prompting a community fundraising effort that has since raised over £12,000.

In Swansea, the Cwmbwrla roundabout was once again submerged, causing traffic chaos and highlighting ongoing drainage concerns. Emergency services responded to multiple incidents across the region, with Natural Resources Wales issuing flood alerts and warnings throughout the day.

With saturated ground and swollen rivers, forecasters and emergency planners are urging residents to take precautions ahead of Monday’s expected downpours.

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Storm Claudia set to bring further flooding risk and disruption across South West Wales

The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, highlighting the risk of flooding, travel disruption and difficult conditions. No warnings are currently in place for Carmarthenshire or Pembrokeshire.

An amber warning has been issued further east, covering parts of Newport and Monmouthshire, where rainfall totals are expected to be higher and more prolonged.

Recent flooding adds to concern

Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend County, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have all seen flooding incidents in recent days, with rivers running high and surface water affecting roads. Emergency planners say Storm Claudia’s arrival could worsen conditions, with further flooding likely in vulnerable areas.

Local impacts expected

• Swansea & Neath Port Talbot: Risk of surface water flooding along the River Tawe and River Neath, with disruption likely on commuter routes.
• Bridgend County: Strong winds and heavy rain could cause hazardous driving conditions along the M4 and coastal areas.
• Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire: No warnings currently in place, but residents are advised to remain alert given recent rainfall and saturated ground.

“Month’s worth of rain”

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said:

“Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday. This rain will become slow moving, and some areas could see up to a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours. Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding.”

Flood risk warning

The Environment Agency has urged caution, stressing that further flooding impacts are possible after recent incidents. Flood Duty Manager Ben Lukey said:

“Storm Claudia will bring heavy prolonged rainfall… We urge people not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”

Public advice

The Met Office and Environment Agency have issued guidance for residents ahead of Storm Claudia:

• Check flood alerts and warnings online.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during the amber warning period.
• Never drive through floodwater.
• Prepare a flood plan and emergency kit if living in at‑risk areas.

Colder spell to follow

By the weekend, the Met Office say that conditions will turn colder, with overnight frosts and the first snow of the season possible in northern and eastern parts of the UK. South West Wales is expected to see rain gradually ease, giving way to drier but chillier weather into next week.

#amberWeatherWarning #floodAlerts #flooding #metOffice #moderateRainfallWarning #severeRainfallWarning #stormClaudia #yellowWeatherWarning