Llangollen escapes the worst of winter weather chaos

* A snow-free Castle Street this morning (Friday).

Llangollen appears to have escaped the worst of the predicted weather chaos. 

Despite it snowing pretty heavily last night it didn't really stick in town but this morning there is snow on the hills all around, including the slopes up to the castle.

Today both main roads are snow-free and flowing freely, all three schools are open and the buses appear to be running. There's a bit of slush on the pavements but that's disappearing fast. 

Facebook comments show that main roads connecting the town with both Wrexham in one direction and Oswestry in the other area also snow-free and safe to travel.

* Snow on the hills around the town.

Latest SDCP Latest outreach sessions in the area

Latest outreach sessions by South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) for Llangollen and Corwen are:

SDCP is looking for volunteers ...

SP Energy Networks gets ready for the wintry weather ahead

 

SP Energy Networks says it has being making preparations for the stormy weather ahead. In a briefing to local councillors toady (Thursday) it says: What this could mean

As conditions deteriorate, there is an increased risk of power interruptions. High winds can damage equipment, and in colder conditions ice can form on overhead lines. When ice builds up, it adds weight to the network and can cause lines or associated equipment to fail.  We’ve invested heavily over recent years to strengthen the network and reduce these risks — but extreme weather always brings a degree of uncertainty. Our focus now is on being ready, responsive and safe.

What we’ve already done

We’ve taken early action to make sure we’re on the front foot:

Materials and equipment have been moved closer to where they’re most likely to be needed  Generators have been checked and readied  Our 4x4 fleet has been reviewed, ensuring access to sites even in difficult conditions  Extra field staff are on standby, ready to deploy  Our call centre has increased capacity, with additional colleagues available to support customers.

Put simply: we’re prepared.

As the weather unfolds, I’ll continue to share updates, so you have the right, timely information to support your communities, neighbours and families.

Staying informed

For the most up-to-date view of any power interruptions, customers and stakeholders can check our live power cuts map: Power Cuts - SP Energy Networks

Preparedness messages to share

A little preparation goes a long way. Please continue to reinforce these simple but important messages:

Call 105 to report a power cut — it’s free and works no matter who you pay your bill to  Keep a torch handy  Charge power banks so phones and devices stay powered  Have extra blankets nearby, as heating may be affected  Close curtains or blinds to keep warmth in  Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to maintain temperature  Stay clear of fallen power lines — always treat them as live and report immediately by calling 105

If you or someone you care for relies on electricity for medical or life-support equipment, please make sure you’re registered on the Priority Services Register and contact us if you have any concerns: Priority Services Register - SP Energy Networks  For the latest weather updates, the Met Office website has the most current information: http://metoffice.gov.uk

County makes preparations for snow, ice and Storm Goretti

Denbighshire County Council has this afternoon (Thursday) sent out an update on the current weather situation to its councillors, which has been passed on to llanblogger by Llangollen member Karen Edwards.

It says: "The yellow warning of snow and ice that was issued on Sunday covering the period from 12noon on Monday expired at 11am today. 

"However, two further yellow warnings have subsequently since been issued, the first for ice, which is valid between midnight tonight through until 10am on Wednesday. 

"A further warning has been issued, which has been named as Storm Goretti largely for snow, which comes into effect from 18:00hrs on Thursday and remains in place through until 12noon on Friday 9 January.

"The current position is that there will be a brief interlude and respite, whereby temperatures are set to rise during the daytime hours, which will lead to a gradual thaw of any lying snow or ice, although this may not have a significant effect on areas of high ground. Temperatures during the overnight periods are still expected to drop quite widely leading to a further ice risk, which is reflected in the latest weather warning.

"The focus beyond this period will then move towards the incoming Storm Garetti, which could lead to further snowfall and significant accumulations are possible, but there is still a level of uncertainty surrounding the exact storm trajectory and anticipated impacts, which are expected to be confirmed in the next 24/48 hours. 

"There is a likelihood that this warning may be updated from Yellow to Amber once the exact course and associated impacts are known. The wind is also predicted to increase, which may lead to blizzard like conditions, but again this is subject to an updated forecast position once the forecast modelling is confirmed."

The update continues: "The current network is largely open and passible with care with the only exceptions being the A542 Horseshoe pass, School Lane, Eryrys and Gwaenysgor Hill which remain closed due to the ongoing weather conditions. 

"Preparations are now being made in respect of planning and deployment additional resources to ensure a sufficient level of preparedness and resilience ahead of the arrival of Storm Garetti.

 

"In summary, we are aiming to have continuous winter maintenance provision and supervision from 16:00 hrs on Thursday 8 January through until 08:00am on Sunday 10 January, therefore covering the duration of the storm and current yellow weather warning, along with sufficient provision for any subsequent warnings that may still yet be issued. 

"We intend to call upon all available resources, including relief drivers, (subject to their availability). Our teams will also be supported by external agricultural contractors, who will assist in maintaining and keeping open the rural roads network, should this become necessary.

 

"In addition to these preparations, contractors have also been commissioned to replenish salt bins across the county network, with priority being given to the south of the county, which has been more significantly impacted of late. This replenishment work will commence tomorrow and will support the work being carried out by Highways and Streetscene teams, who are currently dealing with adhoc and welfare requests, along with the hand salting of town centres where possible.

 

"All resources will largely be focused on maintaining the primary county road network and further updates will be issued in terms of the position across the county road network."

  

Ambulance service urges extra care as Storm Goretti closes

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to take extra care ahead of heavy snowfall and strong winds expected from Storm Goretti.

The Met Office, which has described the storm as a ‘multi-hazard event’, has issued a number of Amber and Yellow warnings for snow in Wales and across large swathes of the UK.

The snow is likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions tonight (Thursday) and into Friday.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations, said: “The NHS has already been under significant pressure since the New Year, and now we’re gearing up for the impact of Storm Goretti.

“Cold weather naturally leads to an increase in falls, breathing difficulties and road traffic collisions, so it’s important that you take steps to reduce the risk of becoming ill or injured, and help us, help you.

“Unfortunately, severe weather means it may take longer to reach some patients, but if you have a genuine life-threatening emergency, please do continue to call us.

“Above all, please be kind and considerate to our people who are working around the clock to provide the best possible care for communities in Wales, both in our contact centres and on the frontline.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service has this advice for the public:

 

• Stock up on essential medications – ensure you have enough prescription medicines to last through any disruption caused by severe weather.
• Only travel if you really need to – if you can delay your journey, it is safer to do so, but if you must drive, maintain a safe and steady speed and keep your distance from other vehicles.
• Take care on icy surfaces – wear suitable footwear and watch out for hidden ice when walking.
• Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family.
• Only call 999 for genuine life-threatening emergencies.
• For everything else, visit NHS 111 Wales or call 111 for health advice and information.

Latest county council roadworks bulletin

Outside LLANGOLLEN PAVILION CAR PARK ENTRANCE - ADJ NO. 9 ABBEY ROAD, 28/02/2026 - 20/03/2026, Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A542 Carriageway HORSESHOE PASS, 24/03/2026 - 02/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 OAK STREET, 22/02/2026 - 01/03/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE NUMBER 9 CASTLE STREET, 01/02/2026 - 01/02/2026, Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC)

A539 ON JUNC WITH TRACK FROM BRYN DETHOL ROAD TO TY UCHA

BRYN DETHOL ROAD FROM A5 TO MAESMAWR ROAD, 09/02/2026 - 11/02/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works SEVERN TRENT WATER (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 Brook Street, Llangollen, 03/11/2025 - 27/03/2026. Active Travel Improvements from the A5 up Brook Street, towards Ysgol Bryn Collen / Y Gwernant, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Bishop who is former Llangollen resident speaks on BBC radio

The Rt Rev Mary Stallard, the Bishop of Llandaff (pictured) who once lived in Llangollen, has been reflecting on the sudden death of her mother in a programme on BBC Radio Cymru.

Daphne Stallard, 89, died after being involved in a collision with a recycling truck in Llandudno in early September last year. And this is one of the events of a "difficult year" the bishop speaks about in this week's edition of Welsh language radio programme Bwrw Golwg, thanking everyone who supported her. 

Daphne Stallard was the widow of the Rev Charles Stallard with whom she lived in Llangollen for 10 years at the time her son-in-law, the Rev Andrew Sully, was vicar of St Collen's.

She was the mother of the Rt Rev Mary Stallard, Andrew's wife, who has been Bishop of Llandaff in Cardiff since 2023.

* For the full story, see: Esgob Llandaf yn diolch am bob cefnogaeth wedi blwyddyn anodd - BBC Cymru Fyw 

Weather warning issued for parts of south Denbighshire

The Met Office has now issued an amber weather warning for parts of south Denbighshire with a yellow weather warning in place for much of the rest of the county. 

This warning will be in place between 8pm on Thursday, 8 January until 9am on Friday 9 January and is forecasting heavy snow which will likely lead to disruption and dangerous travel conditions.

You can find the latest information on the Met Office web page on https://bit.ly/4bmD6OA

Denbighshire County Council says it has deployed all available resources to respond to any weather-related incidents and will be supported by external agricultural contractors who will help keep open the rural roads network. 

It adds: "Our customer service team have been experiencing a high level of calls this week. Where possible, please report any issues via the online webform on https://bit.ly/4jw0qvw 

"In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5pm – 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068."

#stormgorertti #KeepWarmThisWinter #WinterReadyWales #DriveSmart

llanblogger questions why pathways to wharf weren't gritted

* Frozen snow on the walkway from the wharf to Abbey Road this morning. 

llanblogger has been trying to find out why neither of the walkways leading to Llangollen's canal wharf from Abbey Road have been gritted during the recent spell of wintry weather.

Conditions on both of them have become treacherous. To negotiate them people were having to walk on the grass verge to gain some traction.

With more snow predicted for the area later in the week, this could be a real problem.

Denbighshire County Council says the Canal & River Trust is responsible for the paths, so llanblogger has contacted them to ask about the state of the paths. We'll let you know their response.

* The other pathway, also covered with frozen snow.

County puts Youth Centre car park use under scrutiny

* The busy car park at the Youth Centre.

Denbighshire County Council says it is looking into the use of the Youth Centre car park to give priority to the building's users.

Just before New Year Llangollen Food Share took to Facebook to say: "The Youth Centre has been quite inactive over the last year. Due to this, the car park has been relatively unused so has become quite popular with locals using it as free parking for town and by local AirBNB owners offering it out as free parking for their properties.

"The Youth Centre is now being used for community sessions and this will increase in the New Year and the car parking spaces will be needed.

"At the two sessions held over the last fortnight, there weren't enough parking spaces for attendees at the session. In particular there were disabled visitors needing to park in bays who weren't able to.

"Please bear this mind when parking. It would be a shame if the council input restrictive or penalty systems to manage it."

llanblogger checked out the situation with the county council and a spokesperson said: "The council look forward to reopening the building as a youth centre imminently and we are, as part of this, looking into the use of the car park to prioritise building users. 

"We are aware that both locals and visitors to the town are aware of the space so will consider options carefully, so to minimise disruption to neighbouring residents."

Snow is still with us this Tuesday morning

 After a fresh but light fall last night, the snow is still with us this morning (Tuesday).

It coats the roofs and pavements across town and there's quite a gathering on the canal towpaths and even on the water in the basin where it's fallen onto a frozen section towards the rear. In fact, one sizeable section of ice had broken away and could be seen floating towards the wharf - to be avoided by the ducks.

There was another wintry scene around the wharf and, just across the road, a good covering of snow on the railway platform and parts of the river.

There's no further snow predicted for today, with the forecast reading "light rain and a gentle breeze". 

Local schools closed today

Emergency school closures today notified on Denbighshire County Council website include Ysgol Dinas Bran, Ysgol y Gymraeg y Gwernant and Ysgol Bryn Collen.

A post of the Ysgol Dinas Bran website last night says: "Happy New Year and best wishes to you. The decision has been taken to close the school tomorrow, Tuesday, 6th January 2026. There is still a huge amount of snow on the school site, but moreover, where we have gritted, this has already turned to ice. With the forecast for freezing temperatures throughout the night, the situation is not going to improve. As many students and staff are travelling long distances, from rural areas, I decided to make the decision to close this evening to provide you with as much warning as I can and to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. We will work on-site again tomorrow to try to ensure we can open on Wednesday. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I am sure you can appreciate the difficult situation. Thank you for your support, and I will keep you updated."

Latest gritting and roads update from county council

* A local farmer helps clear Cysgod y Gaer, Corwen.

In its latest gritting and roads update issued at 10.30am today (Monday) Denbighshire County Council says: "Further heavy snow showers were experienced during the evening and overnight periods, which has led to further significant accumulations and some difficult conditions across some parts of the county, largely across high ground.

"Gritting crews have worked continuously and most of the priority/main roads remain open and passable with care. The teams are currently retreating all routes and will remain on duty this evening and throughout the overnight period. Agricultural plough contractors have also been deployed and are assisting the Highways teams to ensure that the rural network remains accessible.

"The A542 Horseshoe Pass, School Lane, Eryrys and Gwaenysgor Hill have been closed due to the ongoing weather conditions, and every effort will be made to reopen these routes at the earliest opportunity and when weather conditions allow.

"Make sure you check the Met Office website for all the latest weather warnings >>> https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Invite goes out to wassailing event at Plas Newydd this Sunday

* Wassailing is a folk tradition designed to bring communities together in mid-winter.

People in Llangollen have the chance to take part in an ancient and colourful folk tradition at Plas Newydd on Sunday.

Wassailing is a collection of folk traditions designed to bring communities together in mid-winter and encourage a good harvest.

Many events take place around Twelfth Night in early January and include singing and dancing, drinking and general merrymaking.

A group of local people have arranged for a wassail to take place at Plas Newydd from 4.30-6pm on Sunday January 11.

Organisers say: "Join us for song, apple fayre and celebration as we bless the trees and stir the spirits of the land. Expect singing, noise, music, and a warm welcome for all.  

"Gather near the café area at 4.30pm ready for a short torchlit procession to the orchard. 

"You can expect morris dancing, a wassail ceremony to wake the trees with drums, singing and shouting. 

"There will be a fire pit to keep you warm, a food stall with warm spiced apple juice and apple cake. with all proceeds going to Food Share Llangollen.

"Wrap up warm with lots of layers. Head torches or hand torches are essential as it will be dark by the end of the event. 

"Feel free to make head garlands of evergreens, wear crazy hats or battery fairy lights. We need lots of noise to wake the trees – drums, jingle bells, pots or pans, baking trays and wooden spoons work well.

"As there is no parking on site, park in town ideally or the local vicinity and arrive on foot. Toilets are available on site.

"The whole event is outdoors, and therefore weather dependent keep an eye on social media for updates."