Crews rescue drivers stuck in floodwater
TORRENTIAL rain caused flooding to parts of South Wales yesterday, leaving roads and fields under water and drivers trapped in their cars.
Fire crews were called to several incidents, including rescuing drivers.
One person was taken to hospital after a four-vehicle accident on the A48 between Cardiff and Newport.
A silver Vauxhall Sportive van, a silver Renault Clio, a white Ford Transit van and a white Mercedes Bluefficency Sport were involved in the crash, which happened at around 7.20am near the Dragonfly pub.
A Gwent Police spokesman said: “Injuries have been reported but are not believed to be life changing at this time.”
Gwent Police tweeted at the time: “Emergency Services are dealing with a collision on the A48 westbound near The Dragonfly. The road is closed and diversions are in place which may cause congestion. Please avoid the area if possible.”
In a separate incident, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service also rescued two people from a car stuck in flood water in Peterston-superEly, near Cardiff.
And a man had to be rescued from his vehicle after it hit flood water at Tyla Garw Lane, Pontyclun, at around 6.30am.
The Rhigos Mountain Road was closed because of flooding in the area and there were speed restrictions on both Severn crossings and the Britannia Bridge.
Flooding also closed New Inn Road at Ewenny, Bridgend.
And there was serious flooding on one of the main routes into Cardiff at Capel Llanilltern.
There were reports of very poor driving conditions on parts of the M4 and A470.
Natural Resources Wales had two flood warnings and 23 flood alerts in place across the nation yesterday.
In Treherbert, fire crews pumped out floodwater from a house after a wall and drain collapsed at about 3.30am.
In Rhondda Cynon Taf there was flooding of country roads and fields, leading to weekend sporting fixtures being cancelled.
And sports matches on Cardiff council pitches were called off this weekend due to the poor conditions.
South Wales has been battered by strong winds and rain since Wednesday as Storm Etienne passed over the UK.
The storm was named by the IPMA Portuguese weather service after it was detected in the Azores.
There is also more bad weather on the way this weekend, with rain returning today after a dry start, before easing off tomorrow. Maximum temperatures are expected to be in the region of 11C.
Conditions are forecast to turning colder and more settled for Monday and Tuesday.