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."
.jpg)
