EMERGENCY services were inundated with calls on Friday night as flash floods wreaked havoc across several areas of south Wales, with the deluge described as “horrendous” in some communities. Firefighters were called to attend dozens of incidents after receiving 180 calls for assistance.
In one of the worst-hit areas, Ty Caer Castell in Bridgend, ten properties were flooded, prompting a rescue operation by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. One person was safely brought to safety.
Elsewhere, a couple in Roath, Cardiff, were rescued from their car, as flooding affected various parts of the city, as well as the outskirts and nearby Port Talbot. Emergency crews distributed sandbags in Aberavon to protect homes from the rising waters.
The Met Office has issued a further warning of heavy rain across south Wales and Powys, with a new weather alert in place from 21:00 BST on Saturday, cautioning of the potential for more flooding and disruption.
Senior BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway reported that half a month’s worth of rain fell in just 24 hours, with Swansea’s Victoria Park recording 87.2mm (3.4in) of rainfall. Of this total, 43.8mm (1.7in) came down in just one hour, making Swansea the wettest place in the UK during the deluge, with a total of 107.8mm (4.2in) recorded over Thursday and Friday.
In Swansea, firefighters were called to rescue motorists stranded in their vehicles on West Cross Lane after floodwaters overtook the roads just after 21:00. Later, at 23:00, four people and a dog were rescued from a flooded garden.
Port Talbot also saw significant disruption, with a landslide on Afan Valley Road threatening properties. One house had to be evacuated over concerns that an external wall could collapse.
Local councillor Stephanie Grimshaw, representing Neath Port Talbot, urged residents to remain cautious, posting on social media to warn of “severe flooding” in the area. She confirmed that sandbags were being distributed to affected homes.
Natural Resources Wales lifted a flood warning for Ilston Brook in Gower late on Friday, but the Met Office’s yellow weather warning remains in place until Sunday evening.
David Rees, Member of the Senedd for Aberavon, which includes Port Talbot, took to social media to express his concern, describing the conditions as “terrible” and urging people to “take care and stay safe.”
Gwent Police also responded to surface water issues on major roads, including the A449 Newport to Usk route, as dozens of lightning strikes were reported across south Wales, from Chepstow to Gower.
With more rain on the way, the Met Office has warned that the weekend could bring further disruptions, with heavy, possibly thundery downpours likely to exacerbate flooding in already saturated areas. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for potential evacuations if conditions worsen.
