STORM Imogen caused chaos in Carmarthenshire with waves over topping, winds damaging property and electrical power being cut off to over 1,020 homes county-wide.
Overnight 1,020 properties within the county, were left without electric while Western Power Distribution (WPD) fought against the nationwide storm to amend services throughout Monday (Feb 8).
In preparation for the storm WPD said : “Forward planning, following advanced Met Office weather predictions, means that our operational depots have been open from first light and we also have in place additional operational and engineering staff, and extra Contact Centre staff available to take customer calls.”
This helped them stay ahead of the curve and fix services with customers experiencing minimal time without power, they also added: “Where weather has permitted, our Helicopter Unit has also been on hand to further pinpoint damage caused to our overhead network and to help speed up repairs and power restoration times.”
Heavy rainfall, ground conditions and exceptionally high tide let to there being flood alerts issued for the Loughor River, with rivers across Llanelli, Pontarddulais, Pontyates, Burry Port, and Pwll.
Tidal areas including Pembrey and Pendine were hit by extremely strong winds of over 76mph which lead to large waves over-topping the cliffs and in many cases covering roads in debris. People who live, work or had to travel to coastal areas were urged to take care.
Due to serious flooding and high wind speeds delays of up to two hours were reported by Arriva Trains, with a 50mph speed limit imposed on journeys to Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Cardiff.
A yellow warning of rain was issued by the Met Office for: Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Bridgend, Ceredigion, and many other parts of South and West Wales.
Stepney Street and Park Street in Llanelli were closed due to falling roof tiles. Council and Fire crews were at scene.
Police also attended and went from business to business ordering owners to close suggesting staff and customers leave.
Station Road, Llanelli, had to be closed between Home Bargains and the level crossing due to falling roof tiles. Diversions are in place.
The high winds also uprooted trees in Carmarthenshire.
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