Thanks for that report James, it was really interesting and got me
looking at S Wales maps to see the places you mentioned. I was surprised
that given the interest in snow in the group that no-one else seemed
interested.

All the best


In message , James Brown
writes
Well what an interesting day to travel!!

Started from Porthcawl (Half-way between Swansea and Cardiff on the
coast) about 11 am with rain and a temp of about 3.4. By the time we
were on the M4 travelling east the trusty windscreen was soon showing
pronounced sleet (that's s.l.e.a.t. - pronounced - sleet :-))

Shortly after junction 35 Pencoed, the sleet had become definite snow.
As we approached Cardiff the slightly raised areas were showing snow
accumulating. Shortly after Cardiff we were in heavy snow with large
flakes. The third lane on the motorway was treacherous, and showing
white in quite a few areas. Temp now at 2C. By the time we reached
Newport everywhere had a covering - at least an inch deep.

We then turned north up the Ebbw valley - where for a while the
precipitation was lighter and the grass greener. Approaching Cross Keys
the snow became more intense and by the time we were a 1000' up, in
Abertillery thick snow was covering roads as well as pavements etc.
Temp at 1C.

Snow continued moderate into the early evening when we decided to
return via the heads of the valleys road. Travelling north to Brynmawr
the main road was thick with slush, parked cars had 3-4" of snow, and
it was a Winter wonderland. At the highest point 1350' up traffic was
crawling, as the road was only one track wide at best.

We then travelled westwards towards Merthyr. Snow was still falling
heavily and by now the temp was at 0C. But shortly after Merthyr the
scenery went brown and we lost the snow cover apart from the high
ground to the south - the Rhigos road e.g. remained closed. The run
down from Hirwaun to Neath brought only light rain with the temp by the
end at about 4C .

Arriving back in Porthcawl, and the temps have been falling for the
last hour or two - now down to 2C.

It looks like there could be a frost tonight, with the roads and
pavements as they are means a lot of ice.

So as far as I am concerned Will can come out of the bunker now - close
but no cigar!!

Cheers

James

--
James Brown