Torrential rain causes severe flooding in South Wales

Forecasters say more thundery downpours could be on the way

Author: Gavin RutterPublished 7th Sep 2024
Last updated 7th Sep 2024

Torrential rain has lead to severe flooding across parts of South Wales overnight.

South Wales Fire & Rescue said its crews had been dealing with weather-related incidents in Aberavon, Port Talbot, Bridgend and Cardiff, although it confirmed there were no ongoing incidents.

South Wales Police last night urged people only to travel when necessary.

In an update this morning, a spokesman for the force said: "South Wales Police were called to several incidents of flooding yesterday across the force (on Friday). Most of the roads closed have now re-opened"

Councillor, for Aberavon and Baglan Moors, Stephanie Grimshaw was contacted by residents and described the scene last night.

She said: "The roads were turned into lakes temporarily, the alleys were quite full and houses had rain gushing into their kitchens through their back doors.

"Where people had flood defences, the water had gone over those defences.

"I have spoken to a few residents this morning and they are just incredibly stressed about it happening again.

"They are concerned about the drains.

"I have spoken to the council and the council say the drains are working effectively, however we do know that when there is heavy rain like this the drain's just can't cope."

On Saturday morning, the Met Office issued a fresh weather warning for further heavy rain this weekend.

It said up to 100mm of rain could fall over a short period of time in some areas by Sunday evening.

The forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning for rain, covering all southern Welsh counties, from 9pm on Saturday to 6pm on Sunday, with a chance of flooding and power cuts.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: "Reminiscent of this time last week, the forecast for later this weekend comes with larger uncertainties than average.

"This is due to a more complex than usual meteorological pattern involving multiple corridors of heavy, locally thundery rain revolving around a slow-moving area of low pressure.

"We are keeping warnings under review, and will look to issue them over the weekend as confidence increases, so please keep up to date with our latest forecasts and warnings."

Natural Resources Wales has now lifted all previous flood warnings and flood alerts.

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