Flooded roads, rail and ferry services halted, fallen trees and 91mph gusts... but N.Wales is spared worst of Dennis

STORM Dennis brought a weekend of travel chaos and flooding to North Wales as the region recorded the UK’s strongest winds.

Roads were closed, rail and bus services cancelled and ferry crossings halted, as weather alerts and warnings for the coast and rivers were put in place across North Wales.

At one point on Saturday Traffic Wales urged people not to drive or commute because of the bad weather.

Traffic Wales said: “We are on standby for severe disruption, including road closures, delays, diversions, fallen trees, debris and flooding.

“We advise against all travel!”

North Wales Police also urged people to stay indoors as an amber rain warning and yellow wind warning were in place

The Force tweeted: “Very high winds across North Wales has led to debris and branches falling off trees therefore only venture out if absolutely necessary.”

By 1.50pm on Sunday there were three flood warnings and 19 alerts in force across the region due to torrential rain, swollen rivers, sodden fields and waves crashing onto the coast.

Roads closed due to the weather included, the A470 Betws y Coed to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Builth Wells to Erwood, A487 Dyfi Bridge, A525 Bangor on Dee and the A5 Corwen.

Other roads shut by fallen trees included, A487 Aberarth to Llanon near Aberaeron, the A494 at Rhydymain near Dolgellau and the A5 at Bethesda.

Denbighshire Council workers were also called to reopen roads leading to Llanynys after they were all affected by flooding.

Fields were flooded across the region including at Llanrwst and Dolgarrog, in the Conwy Valley and Rossett and Trevalyn, in Wrexham.

On Saturday Irish Ferries Epsilon sailings were cancelled between Holyhead and Dublin with rail services between Llandudno Junction and Llandudno; Llandudno Junction and Holyhead and Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, also halted.

The Britannia Bridge saw severe restrictions to vehicles over the weekend.

Abergele’s Adventure Trail said it was remaining closed for the rest of the week following severe flood damage from Storm Ciara.

North Wales also recorded the highest wind gust of 91mph at Aberdaron, Gwynedd at 6pm on Saturday as Storm Dennis battered the region.

Saturday’s National League match between Wrexham and Torquay United at the Racecourse was also postponed due to safety concerns over the weather.

In South Wales, police declared a major incident after severe flooding from Storm Dennis.

Streets were evacuated with the help of a lifeboat in some of the worst-hit areas and people moved to emergency rescue centres after their properties and businesses were devastated by water from overflowing rivers.

Over the coming days weather forecasters are predicting more wind and rain for Wales, which will be felt in the north.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Scattered blustery showers will continue through Tuesday.

“Further rain will arrive from the east on Wednesday and Thursday. It will often be windy.”