Storm Bert: Major incident declared as houses and cars flooded in South Wales | British news

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A major incident has been reported in parts of South Wales, with homes and cars flooded as Storm Bert continues to ravage Britain.

The storm brought more than 80% of November’s average monthly rainfall to some parts in less than 48 hours, the Met Office said.

At least 100 properties may have been flooded in South Wales, and rest centers have been set up for those affected.

Chris Bryant, MP for Rhondda and Ogmore, said he had never seen flooding “on this scale” – with hundreds of flood warnings and warnings in force across Britain.

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Rising waters have been reported in several towns, including Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Aberdare.

Videos and photos show parts of Pontypridd underwater, with cars submerged and homeowners saving their properties next to the River Taff.

Wales was also hit by several landslides. Crews were on the A4106 Bwlch Road from Treorchy to Nantymoel this morning.

Photo: Cymmer Fire Station
Image:
Photo: Cymmer fire station

Ten people – including five children – were rescued from a house in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen, on Saturday. A second landslide was reported in the area on Saturday, but no one else is believed to have been affected.

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Mr Bryant said: “I am deeply saddened to witness the devastation caused by last night’s storm and the severe flooding in our communities.

“The flooding in areas in the Rhondda and Ogmore is unprecedented.

“My team and I are working tirelessly to support those affected, and I would like to reassure everyone that the teams at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Bridgend County Borough Council and Dwr Cymru are doing everything we can to respond to this crisis.”

Tearful residents gather in Pontypridd

Pontypridd has once again borne the brunt of severe flooding.

The River Taff has burst its banks in Sion Street, leaving cars stranded in the water.

While some locals tell me the impact of Storm Bert is not as severe as when the city was devastated by flooding in February 2020, it is just as painful for residents here.

Others, whose properties have not been affected this time, fear it is only a matter of time as the rain continues to fall.

Tearful residents have spoken to Sky News as they come to terms with a situation that has become painfully familiar to many.

But Pontypridd, like towns and villages across the valleys of South Wales, is built on a strong sense of community.

One woman, with bags of sausage rolls and pasties, had come to help in any way she could.

“There is a huge support network and volunteer network that I know will exist beyond today,” she said.

‘It’s heartbreaking to see. But every little thing you do helps, right?’

Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan thanked emergency services and council staff who “worked hard to keep us safe during this terrible weather and flooding”.

More than 280 flood warnings and warnings are in force in England on Sunday, with a further 106 in Wales and 13 in Scotland.

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‘Devastating’ floods in Wales

The Met Office said there is potential that fast-flowing or deep floodwaters could pose a life-threatening threat on Sunday after heavy rain and howling winds lashed much of the country.

Railway lines are closed, roads are disrupted and several weather warnings for wind and rain are in force across the country.

Flooding near homes in Llangattock, Powys. Photo: Christopher Sullivan
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Flooding near homes in Llangattock, Powys. Photo: Christopher Sullivan

Pontypridd floods

Kew Gardens, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and several other parks were also closed on Sunday due to the weather. Exeter Racecourse was forced to abandon all races after heavy rain and high winds.

But today is also exceptionally mild for November, the Met Office said, with a maximum temperature of 17.8 degrees Celsius recorded in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before 10am.

Firefighters try to pump water from flooded residential streets near Moat Park in Dundonald, on the outskirts of Belfast. Storm Bert is lashing the country with strong winds, heavy rain, snow and ice, while orange warnings come into force. Date of photo: Saturday, November 23, 2024.
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Firefighters are working to pump water from flooded residential streets in Dundonald, on the outskirts of Belfast. Photo: PA

Blackwood in South Wales shows water flowing over roads. Photo: Bistro 8
Image:
Blackwood in South Wales shows water flowing over roads. Photo: Bistro 8

On Saturday, Hampshire Police said a man in his 60s died after a tree fell on a car on the A34 southbound near Winchester on Saturday morning.

The force said it is investigating whether the incident is weather related. A yellow warning for rain and wind was in force throughout the area.

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Why parts of Britain saw no sunshine earlier this month

Next week the Met Office is predicting sunny spells and showers.

The forecaster says there could be further rain and strong winds on Wednesday, spreading north-eastwards across England and Wales.