Saturday, January 15, 2011

Wales Uk ( BBC)


Flood warnings in Conwy valley, Tenby as rain continues

Flooding led to the A487 at Machynlleth being closed on Friday

Flood warnings as more rain due
The Environment Agency is urging households across Wales to remain vigilant against flooding as heavy rain falls again over the weekend.

The Met Office says up to 100mm (4in) of rain could fall on higher ground in northwest Wales on Saturday.

Those storms are expected to move southeastwards across Wales through Sunday, bringing another 40mm (1.5in) of downpours on hills.

By 16.10 GMT Saturday, there were five flood warnings and five flood alerts.

The Environment Agency flood warnings were in place in the Conwy valley around isolated properties and the Gwydir Road and on the River Ritec in Tenby, Pembrokeshire.

Flood alerts were also upgraded to warnings on the A487 at Dyfi Bridge, Pennal and parts of Machynlleth, on the lower Dee from Llangollen to Chester and in and around Dolgellau in Gwynedd.

The heavy rain on Friday brought disruption to both roads and rail services.

The A474 at Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot, and the A487 at Machynlleth, Powys, were closed.

Continue reading the main story

Start Quote
Our officers on the ground will continue to check flood defences, clear river blockages and install flood barriers where necessary”
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Jeremy Parr

Environment Agency Wales
Swansea and London-bound trains experienced severe delays due to flooding at Chipping Sodbury tunnel on Friday.

It meant First Great Western services to London Paddington had to be diverted via Bath.

"More trouble is brewing in the Atlantic, bringing another dose of wet and windy weather - some heavy rain and strong to gale force winds," said BBC Wales weather forecaster, Derek Brockway.

"More heavy rain, hill fog and poor visibility. Gales in the northwest and through the Menai Strait - severe gales on the mountains."

He said Sunday will see more heavy rain, with the risk of flooding.

"Spring is a long way off but next week will be much drier with some frost and fog patches," he added.

Avoid rivers

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for virtually the whole of Wales for both Saturday and Sunday.

Only the northeast areas of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham escape the warning.

"With strong winds and further heavy rain expected we are continuing to monitor flood risk across Wales," warned Jeremy Parr, from Environment Agency Wales.

"Further flood alerts and flood warnings may be issued and these could remain in place over the weekend and into next week in some places."

He said it was important that people remained vigilant throughout the weekend.

He added: "People should stay away from rivers as they can be very high and fast flowing and avoid trying to drive or walk through any flooding.

"We urge those in coastal areas to be on their guard from big waves caused by very strong winds.

"Our officers on the ground will continue to check flood defences, clear river blockages and install flood barriers where necessary."

The latest flood advice and updates are available on Environment Agency's website www.environment-agency.gov.uk. There is also a 24-hour information service Floodline on 0845 988 1188.