Snow forecast in Wales on Friday

The Met Office has upgraded snow warnings for parts of Wales into Friday morning.Forecasters say there is potential for travel disruption as over 10cm (4in) of snow could fall on higher ground.Areas which could be affected include the south Wales valleys, the hills of mid Wales, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.Meanwhile, a lightning strike is continuing to cause delays to south Wales rail services.Signalling equipment was damaged in the Llantrisant area causing problems on the main line between Cardiff and Bridgend..The Met Office warned that heavy rain was likely to turn to snow early on Friday.Sleet is more likely on lower ground but snow has not been ruled out.BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said: "Based on the latest information from the Met Office, the higher ground of south and mid Wales could be worst hit by snow but, of course, things could change with further updates later on Thursday."There is still some uncertainty on the path of a deepening area of low pressure moving in from the Atlantic. "A change in direction of just 50 to 100 miles north or south can make all the difference as to which part of Britain will get heavy rain, snow and severe gales."Rain in Pembrokeshire will spread across the rest of Wales on Thursday evening and will turn increasingly to sleet and snow after midnight.On the coast it will probably stay as rain or sleet, but may turn to snow inland.The Met Office has now issued a stronger amber [be prepared] snow warning for parts of Wales, while a yellow [be aware] warning remains in place in some areas.The warnings take into account how likely snow is and the potential impact the expected conditions may have.Parts of mid Wales, the south Wales valleys and Monmouthshire could have 2-5cm of snow (1-2in).More than 10cm (4in) is possible on higher ground such as the heads of the valleys, the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons and the hills of mid Wales.While the wintry weather continues, police are advising drivers to ensure they have plenty of fuel in the tank, fully charge their mobile phones before setting off, and to carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch.