Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Wednesday, November 19)

Broken down vehicle blocks road

In Denbighshire, one lane is blocked due to a broken down vehicle on A55 North Wales Expressway eastbound near junction 28 B5429 (Rhuallt / Waen).

Traffic is coping well.

Major update on two-month bus strike set to start tomorrow

Lengthy bus strikes which were due to begin in Wales tomorrow have been suspended, as First Cymru has brought a new offer to the table.

Unite, the trade union for drivers and employees, said a strike was due to take place from November 20 until January 21, 2026, unless First could “fix” the situation by revising its offer.

It was due to affect services in Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan.

Click here to read more.

M4 crash live updates as drivers face motorway delays

An accident has taken place on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge eastbound.

It has taken place from junction 23 M48 to junction 22 M49.

It is resulting in slow moving traffic in the area.

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Accident creates delays

In Cowen, Denbighshire, there’s slow traffic due to an accident on A5104 in both directions from B5436 to Ffordd Prenol.

‘Well alight’ car fire takes place in Cardiff

A car was “well alight” in Cardiff this morning, causing traffic delays.

A statement from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service read: “We received a call at approximately 8.35am to reports of a vehicle fire at Riverside, Cardiff.

“Crews and an appliance from Cardiff Central attended the scene and extinguished one well alight vehicle, using one hose reel jet and breathing apparatus.

“The stop message was received around 8.58am.”

Delays due to level crossing failure

There’s reportedly long delays due to level crossing failure on Michaelston Road, St Fagans in both directions at the level crossing.

Reduced train service

Transport for Wales says there’s a reduced service on its services between Wrexham Central and Bidston due to shortage of trains.

Part of M4 to be closed overnight for bridge repair

The Prince of Wales Bridge will be closed overnight as works are carried out.

The closure, which will affect the eastbound side of the road, will take place between 10pm on Wednesday night and 6am on Thursday morning.

There will be different diversion routes in place, and weight restrictions for the M48 Severn Bridge will be lifted during the time of the disruption.

Click here to read more.

Accident blocks road

In Caernarfon, Bethel Road is partially blocked in both directions, resulting in slow traffic due to an accident at Ael Y Garth.

Stena Line cancels services between Fishguard and Rosslare

Stena Line has cancelled all services between Fishguard and Rosslare due to poor weather conditions.

40 minute train delays as tree falls on line

There’s delays of up to 40 minutes and some cancellations on Transport for Wales train services between Hereford and Newport (south Wales) due to earlier tree down on the line at Cwmbran.

Who Wales will now play in the World Cup play-offs

Wales have beaten North Macedonia 7-1 to finish second in Group J behind Belgium in their quest for World Cup 2026 qualification.

By finishing second, Wales have now bagged themselves a home semi-final in the play-offs next March, which is a huge bonus for Bellamy and the Red Wall.

The win has put Wales in pot two of four, with a home semi against a third seed now confirmed. That means that when the draw is made for the play-offs on Thursday, Wales will play either Republic of Ireland, Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia in Cardiff in March.

Click here to read more.

Accident blocks road

In Flintshire, one lane is blocked and there’s slow traffic, due to an accident on A55 eastbound at junction 32 A5026 (Holywell).

Traffic ‘heavier than normal’ on M4

Traffic is currently heavier than normal on M4 eastbound from junction 28 A48 (Tredegar Park) to junction 23A A4810 (Magor services).

Delays in Gowerton

In Swansea, there’s currently queueing traffic on A484 at B4296 Victoria Road roundabout in Gowerton.

Travel time is ten minutes.

Road blocked after accident

In Wrexham, the A5 eastbound is partially blocked, resulting in slow traffic, due to an accident from B5070 Holyhead Road (Whitehurst roundabout) to A483 (Halton roundabout).

Road closed due to snow

Pen y Bryn (Ffestiniog).

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Traffic Wales issues congestion warning for three areas

Traffic Wales is warning of congestion in the following areas this morning.

• M4 eastbound J28 Tredegar Park – J23A Magor.
• A470 Southbound Nantgarw – Coryton.
• A4232 Northbound Culverhouse – J33 Capel Llanilltern.

Restrictions in place on M48 Severn Bridge due to strong winds

Strong winds and restrictions are in place on M48 Severn Bridge in both directions between junction two A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow) and junction one A403 (Aust).

Traffic monitoring service Inrix writes: “Everyone comes off, eastbound at junction two or westbound at junction one, around the roundabouts and back on to cross the bridge, which remains open.

“This is the usual restriction in case the bridge needs to be closed quickly if crosswinds get worse.”

Congestion reported

There’s congestion on A470 southbound from A4223 (Pontypridd) to M4 junction 32 (Coryton Interchange).

Travel time is 15 minutes.

Strong winds warning on bridge

There’s strong winds on the A55 Britannia Bridge between junction nine A487 (Treborth) and junction eight A5 (Llanfair P.G.).

The speed matrix sign is set to 30mph.

There’s advisory restrictions in place for caravans, motorbikes and cyclists.

Drivers told avoid area as collision closes road – live updates

A road in Pembrokeshire has closed after a collision.

The affected area is the A487, from Cardigan too Llantood.

Dyfed-Powys Police has asked motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes as the incident plays out.

Click here for live updates.

Weather map shows snowfall in Wales

A Met Office weather map for 6am this mornin g indicates snowfall in Wales.

The areas pictured in white and grey indicate the affected areas, including parts of Swansea and Aberystwyth.

Today’s weather forecast

The Met Office has forecast the weather for today.

It writes on its website: “Icy stretches possible initially as early rain and hill snow clears to leave much of the country with sunnier skies for the afternoon.

“However, showers continuing in the west, turning wintry.

“Feeling cold in brisk northerly winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.”

Good morning

Good morning and welcome to WalesOnline’s daily news blog.

The breaking news team is here to bring you all the latest news and updates today.

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