The video will start in 8 Cancel

Get the biggest stories sent straight to your inbox Sign up for regular updates and breaking news from WalesOnline Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Main routes through Cardiff should finally be clear of snow on Saturday as temperatures start to rise, the council has said.

Smaller residential roads around the city are expected to be clear by Sunday.

Armies of gritting teams have been working around the clock battling tough conditions trying to clear the huge amount of snow left by Storm Emma.

But residents have been left scratching their heads as even on main roads several inches of snow still remain after they have been gritted.

Cardiff council has explained why this is – and when you can expect your road to be cleared.

Why is the salt not working?

(Image: Alison Sanders)

Salt simply lowers the temperature at which water freezes. As temperatures have stayed well below zero in Cardiff, the salt spread on the roads has not been enough to melt the snow.

That means the grit is just sitting on top of the snow – and it is only when the temperature rises further that the salt can melt the snow and the grit provide a stable surface to drive on.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

When are main roads going to be clear?

(Image: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE)

With temperatures expected to rise over the coming days, the snow will begin to melt and clear from Cardiff’s roads.

Matt Wakelam, who is heading up Cardiff council’s gritting operation, said main roads should begin to clear tomorrow.

He said: “The road temperatures fell significantly and they’ve not been above 0C all week. When the grit goes down there’s very little moisture around – for the salt to work it can’t be dry.

“At 9am tomorrow the road temperature will start to raise above 0C. The snow will then melt then activate the salt – it will have a snowball effect.

“By close of play tomorrow all primary routes will be clear of snow.”

When are residential streets going to be free from snow?

(Image: Rob Browne)

Mr Wakelam, who is head of infrastructure and operations at Cardiff Council, said residential streets should be clear by midday on Sunday.

And he expects everything to be up and running on Monday morning – marking the end of the snow days, for now.

Yellow line parking restrictions are not currently being enforced due to the snow.

Residents are also asked to keep their drains as clear as possible to prevent flooding.

Mr Wakelam added: “Residential roads should be clear from midday Sunday, and we should be completely clear by Monday.

“It’s getting warmer, which is great.”