Businesses damaged after flash flooding sees 'roads turn to rivers' (original) (raw)
Port Talbot is among the Welsh areas worst hit by Tuesday's torrential rain and flash flooding. Footage shot during the afternoon shows roads and buildings flooded in the town.
Our photographer John Myers took videos at around 3pm in Talbot Road showing the severity of the downpour. He said: "The rain is coming down so hard... In some parts the flood water is coming up to my knees. Roads have been turned into rivers with many businesses flooded."
It comes as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms throughout Tuesday, covering all of Wales. The warning covers a smaller area in the Wednesday forecast but still affects much of South Wales.
Read more: LIVE: Flash flooding hits Wales amid Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms
Malcolm, who is based at Customs House in Eagle Street, said the building's ground floor was flooded before staff could put sandbags in place. He added: "I've never seen it as bad as this and I've been here six years. Look at the mess, it's terrible."
The rain also affected the M4. Traffic monitoring service Inrix said at 5.26pm: "One lane closed and very slow traffic due to rain on M4 in both directions from J41 A48 Pentyla-Baglan Road (Baglan / Pentyla) to J40 A4107 Tanygroes Street (Port Talbot / Taibach). Congestion to J38 (Margam). Cameras show heavy rain and surface water on the road."
Flash flooding in Talbot Road, Port Talbot
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Our photographer left the flash flooding in Port Talbot at 3.15pm and headed along the M4 where driving conditions were very difficult, particularly near Porthcawl, with visibility "down to a few yards". The storm "dramatically ended" when he got to the Bridgend area, he said.
Shortly after 5pm a spokeswoman for South Wales fire service said it had not been called to help any businesses in Port Talbot, but a crew had attended Ninja Warrior adventure park in Park Tawe Retail Park, Swansea. She added: "We have had a small number of isolated calls [relating to flooding].
Flash flooding in Talbot Road, Port Talbot
Flash flooding in Talbot Road, Port Talbot (Image: John Myers)
"We did attend the Ninja Warrior adventure park which we've made safe. We've left that incident. The roof may still be leaking but unfortunately there's no more the fire service can do. It would just be a case of isolating the electrics to make it safe."
In its yellow weather warning the Met Office said: "Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.
Flash flooding in Port Talbot
Flash flooding in Talbot Road, Port Talbot
"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services. Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
"Some communities might become cut off if roads flood. Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."
Flash flooding in Talbot Road, Port Talbot (Image: John Myers)
Flash flooding in Port Talbot (Image: John Myers)
For the latest updates on the flooding and the warning over thunderstorms in Wales, follow our live blog here.
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