(Update: Red warning now lifted however conditions remain dangerous in places)
A red weather warning has been issued by the UK Met Office for the South Wales area – in particular the valleys area. Exceptionally persistent and heavy rain during the last 24 hours, with totals over 150mm (6″) on high ground, has lead to the bursting of many rivers banks and flooding of properties as associated river catchments continue to drain their loads. As this occurs throughout today (Sunday 16th February), river levels are expected to continue to remain exceptionally high through much of the dray, resulting in a continuation of life-threatening conditions.
Areas included in Met Office Red warning:
Much of the South Wales valleys and populated areas nearby for examples the rivers TAFF, USK and NEATH. Populated areas include Cwnbran, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfill, Mountain Ash, and Blackwood.
The river Taff has completely burst it’s banks by Treforst, South Wales. These images were sent into us by Jessica Walton at roughly 6.30am of the river’s flood waters affecting properties. Look at the speed of the waters, another hazard associated with this exceptional event – likely of carrying dangerous items posing a risk to life.
Image: powerful current over-toppling bridge in Treforst, South Wales.
Resultant flooding of road with properties, in Treforst, South Wales
The Red Warning from the Met Office is valid up until 11.00 today – however dangerous conditions are possible throughout the day. Some of the key points raised in the warning are:
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Presence of danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater
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Extensive flooding to homes and businesses likely
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Collapsed or damaged buildings or bridges
Useful emergency resources
South Wales flood line 0345 988 1188 – 24 hour service.
Severe Flood Warnings issued (4 in total across England and Wales)
2 Severe Flood warnings are currently in force – meaning there’s an immediate danger to life from flood waters. These are present at both the River Taff at Pontypridd and the River Neath at Aberdulais. Whilst 76 flood warnings and 61 flood alerts remain in force for other parts of wales. Click Here for more information from Natural Resources Wales on these warnings (unfortunately this site is temporarily down).
There are also 2 Severe Flood warnings in force in England on the River Teme in Worestershire, in Eardiston and Tenbury Wells and Burford.
It is advised to stay away from bridges or any structural object that may be subject to structural weakening due to flowing flood water, especially any bridges that may cross rivers.
Other parts of the UK have also experienced flooding, in particular higher parts of Northern England and Southern Scotland, with river levels in many areas here remaining highly elevated. Amber warnings remain in force throughout the remainder of this morning and up until 3pm for some southern parts of England, much of Wales, and Northern England.