North Wales Police working with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance Service and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency are responding to the severe weather conditions currently effecting north Wales and in particular Gwynedd.

Superintendent Sacha Hatchett, North Wales Police who is leading the multi agency response said "This afternoon we invoked an emergency response to the severe weather to ensure priority is given to any person at risk either on the roads or elsewhere.  Our priority is to protect and preserve life and we are working closely with our multi agency partners to ensure this is carried out as well as working towards quickly but safely reopening the road network.

"North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are working to their full capacity.  They have received well in excess of 250 calls and have 22 appliances out throughout the region responding to emergency calls.  On their behalf, and in order they may prioritise calls I would ask the community to only call the Fire Service if you believe lives are at risk and not just to properties being flooded when the householders are able to move upstairs or seek shelter in neighbours."

At this time the main A55 road between Junctions 11 and 12 between Bangor and Tal y Bont remain closed as does the A5 at Ogwen where the river has burst it's banks.  Roads throughout the region of south Gwynedd spreading east towards the Conwy Valley have been effected and the message from the emergency services remains the same, unless your journey is absolutely necessary do not use the roads.

If your journey is essential then check first with Traffic Wales or your local radio station and if you have to travel then plan your journey well in advance, take extra care and drive according to the conditions..