Coastal areas on flood alert as new wind warning issued
THE Gower and Carmarthenshire coastlines remain on flood alert after Storm Kathleen whipped through Wales at the weekend.
And yesterday the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning, saying strong winds tomorrow could bring winds of up to 65mph, “hazardous coastal conditions” and some travel disruption.
The warning came into force at midnight and will be in place until 3pm tomorrow, and covers the western coast of the country, as well as some parts of north-west England.
The warning says a “spell of strong winds blowing from the northwest will affect this region on Tuesday.”
It continues: “Initially arriving across South West Wales, in the early hours of Tuesday, and reaching North Wales and North West England during Tuesday morning. Gusts will reach 40-50mph widely, with 60 or 65mph gusts expected for exposed coasts of South West and West Wales overnight. Winds will likely ease (although still remaining breezy) across South West and West Wales before dawn on Tuesday.”
It has urged people on the coast to be aware of large waves during stormy weather. “Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” the warning adds
Natural Resources Wales listed 15 flood alerts for the nation yesterday with coastal alerts along the South West Wales coast expected to remain in force for several days.
The flood alerts in place for the Carmarthenshire coast runs between Pendine and Hendy, east of Llanelli.
The alert says: “The combination of high tides, forecast winds and wave heights give a risk of flooding around the high tides between 6am Sunday, April 7 and 9.30am Friday, April 12.
“Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected. Be careful on beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths, roads, low lying land, close to the estuary. Be careful as sea spray and waves could be dangerous and could contain debris.”
There was a similar warning for the tidal area on the North Gower coast at Crofty for the same period of time.
The alert warned: “Flooding of lowlying land and roads is expected. Be careful on beaches, coastal footpaths, roads, low lying land, close to the estuary. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Elsewhere in Carmarthenshire, there were warnings for the Upper and Lower Towy, the River Cothi and Rivers Bran and Gwydderig at Llandovery.
Storm Kathleen battered the UK on Saturday, with dozens of flights to and from airports cancelled, roofs damaged, trees knocked down, ferry trips cancelled, train speeds limited and thousands left without power.
In Wales, one lane of the M48 Severn Bridge was closed in both directions due to strong winds, while there were also restrictions on the A55 Britannia Bridge in Anglesey due to strong winds.
There had been a yellow weather warning for wind in place for most of the day, covering the north west and south west of England, as well as parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, as well as Wales.
High gusts were recorded across the country, with the highest – 73mph – recorded in Lanarkshire in Scotland, while Capel Curig in Gwynedd had the third fastest gust at 68mph.