Floods force road closures as downpours soak Wales
STRONG winds and heavy rain brought more misery to parts of Wales just weeks after Storm Callum wreaked havoc.
Flooding has hit parts of Wales, causing people to be evacuated and roads to be closed.
A yellow weather warning for wind and rain yesterday was upgraded by the Met Office, which warned to expect: “Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings, fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life; delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely, spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, a good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads and power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely.”
Last night Dyfed-Powys Police reported a number of road blocks and closures because of poor weather.
Coracle Way in Carmarthen was closed because of flooding, as was the B4310 between A48 and Porthyrhyd, near the Botanical Gardens, The Watton in Brecon near the petrol station, Heol Blaenhirwaun in Drefach, Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire, and the A487 through Newgale was closed due to flooding, with many more roads “passable with care”.
The force was also reporting a number of road closures because of fallen trees, including he B4301 Bronwydd to Pontarsais, the Templeton to Loveston road closed due to a fallen tree, the A4069 Llangadog to Black Mountain near the river crossing, A470 near Libanus and on the B4355 Dolfor to Felindre, although police said they were confident it would be re-opened quickly “due to a very helpful local farmer”.
Strong winds also forced the partial closure of the M48 Severn Bridge, meaning all traffic heading east was diverted to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
Flooding also blocked the railway line between Haverfordwest and Milford Haven yesterday, with services running to and from these stations cancelled or delayed.
Transport for Wales said road transport was operating between the two stations.
The Pembrokeshire Roads Unit of Dyfed-Powys Police last night urged motorists to take care, saying: “Please be aware of road conditions when out and about tonight.
“Large amounts of flooding and standing water on various roads throughout the county already.”
On Thursday night six cottages near the Havenshead retail park in Milford Haven were evacuated due to flooding, as were four properties at Lower Priory on the outskirts of the town.
The town’s library on the retail park closed yesterday and other businesses nearby were advised of the risk of further flooding.
Pembroke library was also closed. Property owners in Haverfordwest town centre including businesses were warned to prepare for possible flooding last night.
A spokesman for Pembrokeshire Council said yesterday: “Predicted heavy rainfall this afternoon and evening is expected to significantly increase the level of the river Cleddau running through the town.
“Quay Street and the Riverside including County Hall are expected to be most at risk, along with Prospect Place and properties in the vicinity of Cartlett Brook.”
At the time four flood warnings were in place in Pembrokeshire, at Solva and nearby Middle Mill, and for the Western Cleddau at Merlin’s Bridge and Riverside, Haverfordwest.