Briton Ferry homes hit by two-foot flood waves as amber alert turns real

Street turns to river as cars plough through

Briton Ferry residents woke to scenes of devastation on Monday morning (15 December) as torrential rain overwhelmed drains and turned Pant Yr Heol into a flood zone.

Photos shared by local councillors show water gushing from manholes, cars half-submerged, and emergency crews responding near a flooded railway bridge. One image shows a fire engine parked under the bridge with lights flashing, while another captures water bursting from a drain as cones struggle to contain the flow.

A third shows a residential street under water, with flood levels reaching doorsteps and traffic lights reflected in the rising tide.

Vehicles left stranded in Briton Ferry as floodwater rises to doorsteps and covers the road.
(Image: Gareth Rice)Floodwater gushes from drains in Briton Ferry, overwhelming streets as heavy rain continues.
(Image: Gareth Rice)Streets in Briton Ferry cordoned off as floodwater submerges bollards and road markings.
(Image: Gareth Rice)

“Waves were two feet high”

Daniel Popp, a resident of Pant Yr Heol, said drivers made the flooding worse by ignoring pleas to avoid the street.

Daniel Popp said:

“People are so inconsiderate — even after pleading with them not to go through the water they completely ignored myself and others and made things two times worse for people on the street.

It was worse when the cars were coming through — the waves coming off it were about two feet high.”

Daniel said the road hadn’t flooded in around three years, but used to flood regularly during heavy rain.

Emergency crews respond in Briton Ferry as floodwater blocks a railway bridge and surrounding streets.
(Image: Gareth Rice)Floodwater rises to doorsteps in Briton Ferry, with traffic lights reflected in the submerged street.
(Image: Dan Thomas)Cars plough through deep floodwater in Briton Ferry, sending waves crashing against terraced homes.
(Image: Dan Thomas)

Amber warning remains in force

The Met Office’s Amber warning for rain remains in place until 9pm tonight, covering Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, Cardiff, Pembrokeshire and 10 other counties.

Natural Resources Wales has warned of a “severe risk to life” in parts of South Wales, urging residents to prepare for further flooding as rivers swell and surface water builds.

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Another amber alert: South West Wales braced for torrential rain on Monday

The Met Office says up to 200mm of rain could fall in parts of Wales and Cumbria over 48 hours, with Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire all sitting squarely in the amber zone.

And it’s not the first time. South West Wales has already endured three Amber warnings and five Yellow warnings in the past month alone – a relentless barrage of alerts that’s left roads saturated, rivers swollen and communities braced for more disruption.

The warning kicks in Monday morning, with heavy rain expected to lash the region throughout the day. Roads including the A40, A48, A465 and M4 are likely to be affected, and drivers are being urged to plan ahead.

“A slow-moving weather front stretching into the tropical Atlantic will continue to bring adverse conditions,” said Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen.

The Environment Agency has also sounded the alarm, warning of possible surface water flooding and urging drivers not to take risks.

“Just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car,” said Flood Duty Manager Jonathan Day. “Don’t drive through flood water — it’s often deeper than it looks.”

While the south of England stays dry and bright, Wales is once again in the firing line. The amber warning follows a string of recent alerts, with saturated ground and swollen rivers increasing the risk of disruption.

Looking ahead, Tuesday may bring a brief break in the rain — but forecasters say another Atlantic low is already lining up for Wednesday, bringing more wet and windy weather to western Britain.

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South Wales braces for floods as amber warning upgraded

South Wales is braced for a day of disruption on Monday, 1 December, as the Met Office’s amber warning for rain has been upgraded and extended, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) warning of flooding, landslides and travel chaos.

The warning, in force from midnight until 11.59pm, now stretches north into Ceredigion while some southern coastal areas have been removed. It covers Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Cardiff, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Pembrokeshire, Powys and more, with the rest of Wales under a yellow warning.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1995107985983459657

Rivers already swollen

NRW says rivers are already high and the ground saturated, meaning flood alerts and warnings are expected from Sunday evening into Monday morning. Surface water flooding is also likely, particularly in urban and low‑lying areas.

Richard Preece, NRW’s Duty Tactical Manager, said:

“The Amber and Yellow rain warnings in place from the early hours of Monday are expected to bring significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued, with flood warnings indicating flooding is expected.”

Up to 120mm of rain forecast

The Met Office says rainfall totals could reach 100–120mm over higher ground, with 60–80mm likely across hills and 20–40mm in lower areas. Fast‑flowing or deep floodwater is possible, posing a danger to life.

Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks said:

“Heavy rain will move over south Wales from late Sunday and through Monday. Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected over the highest ground in south Wales.”

⚠️ Flood alert levels explained

Flood Alert
Flooding is possible – be prepared.

Flood Warning
Flooding is expected – immediate action required.

Severe Flood Warning
Severe flooding – danger to life.

Check updates every 15 minutes at naturalresources.wales/flooding.

Landslide risk

The British Geological Survey has warned that rainfall of this magnitude has previously triggered landslides in Wales, with natural and infrastructure slopes at risk. Roads and railways could be disrupted, particularly in areas with long diversion routes.

Advice to residents

NRW is urging people to:

  • Move vehicles and valuables to higher ground
  • Prepare a flood kit with documents, medication and essentials
  • Avoid walking or driving through floodwater
  • Check local alerts via naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188

Flood alerts and warnings are updated every 15 minutes. NRW teams are working with the Flood Forecasting Centre, emergency responders and local authorities to monitor conditions and issue updates.

Beyond Monday, forecasters expect a changeable week, with low pressure bringing a mix of rain, showers and occasional sunny spells.

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Amber weather warning issued for South Wales as heavy rain forecast

The warning comes into effect in the early hours of Monday, 1 December, and is expected to remain in place throughout the day, with heavy rain continuing into Tuesday morning.

According to the Met Office, rainfall totals could reach 100–120mm over higher ground, with 60–80mm expected across many hills and 20–40mm at lower levels.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said:

“Heavy rain will move over South Wales from late Sunday and through Monday. This is a developing forecast, so it’s important to stay up to date with Met Office warnings in the coming days.”

The warning covers a wide area including Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, and parts of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Natural Resources Wales has urged residents to prepare for possible flooding, especially with rivers already swollen and ground conditions saturated.

🌊 How to stay safe during flooding

Check your flood risk
Visit naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 to see if your area is at risk.

Prepare a flood kit
Include important documents, medication, phone chargers, and emergency contact numbers.

Move valuables
Relocate treasured possessions and electronics upstairs or to higher shelves.

Protect your vehicle
Move your car to higher ground if flooding is forecast nearby.

Avoid floodwaters
Never walk or drive through floodwater — it may be deeper or faster than it looks.

Stay informed
Follow Met Office and NRW updates for the latest warnings and advice.

Richard Preece, Duty Tactical Manager at NRW, said:

“We expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued. Surface water issues are also likely. We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations now.”

He added that people should avoid swollen riverbanks and never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

NRW recommends preparing a flood kit with essential documents and medication, moving vehicles to higher ground, and relocating valuable items upstairs.

For the latest flood alerts, residents can visit naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Beyond Monday, forecasters expect a changeable week of weather, with low pressure bringing a mix of rain, showers, and occasional sunny spells.

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Recent flooding across Swansea and Carmarthenshire

The Amber warning follows a series of severe flooding incidents across South West Wales in recent weeks.

In Carmarthenshire, a major incident was declared after torrential rain triggered widespread disruption and emergency rescues. Fire crews were called to Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary near Kidwelly, where 34 animals had to be rescued from rising floodwaters. The sanctuary was left devastated, prompting a community fundraising effort that has since raised over £12,000.

In Swansea, the Cwmbwrla roundabout was once again submerged, causing traffic chaos and highlighting ongoing drainage concerns. Emergency services responded to multiple incidents across the region, with Natural Resources Wales issuing flood alerts and warnings throughout the day.

With saturated ground and swollen rivers, forecasters and emergency planners are urging residents to take precautions ahead of Monday’s expected downpours.

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Storm Claudia set to bring further flooding risk and disruption across South West Wales

The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, highlighting the risk of flooding, travel disruption and difficult conditions. No warnings are currently in place for Carmarthenshire or Pembrokeshire.

An amber warning has been issued further east, covering parts of Newport and Monmouthshire, where rainfall totals are expected to be higher and more prolonged.

Recent flooding adds to concern

Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend County, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have all seen flooding incidents in recent days, with rivers running high and surface water affecting roads. Emergency planners say Storm Claudia’s arrival could worsen conditions, with further flooding likely in vulnerable areas.

Local impacts expected

  • Swansea & Neath Port Talbot: Risk of surface water flooding along the River Tawe and River Neath, with disruption likely on commuter routes.
  • Bridgend County: Strong winds and heavy rain could cause hazardous driving conditions along the M4 and coastal areas.
  • Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire: No warnings currently in place, but residents are advised to remain alert given recent rainfall and saturated ground.

“Month’s worth of rain”

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said:

“Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday. This rain will become slow moving, and some areas could see up to a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours. Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding.”

Flood risk warning

The Environment Agency has urged caution, stressing that further flooding impacts are possible after recent incidents. Flood Duty Manager Ben Lukey said:

“Storm Claudia will bring heavy prolonged rainfall… We urge people not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”

Public advice

The Met Office and Environment Agency have issued guidance for residents ahead of Storm Claudia:

  • Check flood alerts and warnings online.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel during the amber warning period.
  • Never drive through floodwater.
  • Prepare a flood plan and emergency kit if living in at‑risk areas.

Colder spell to follow

By the weekend, the Met Office say that conditions will turn colder, with overnight frosts and the first snow of the season possible in northern and eastern parts of the UK. South West Wales is expected to see rain gradually ease, giving way to drier but chillier weather into next week.

#amberWeatherWarning #floodAlerts #flooding #metOffice #moderateRainfallWarning #severeRainfallWarning #stormClaudia #yellowWeatherWarning

#Málaga evacuates thousands as #Spain issues more #FloodAlerts

by Nick Beake and Thomas Mackintosh

"Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in the #CostaDelSol region of southern Spain as #ExtremeRain and #flooding drenches the area.

"National weather office Aemet has placed both Malaga and the northeastern #Catalonia region on the highest alert for strong rain expected to last until Friday.

"The Malaga area, including the tourist resorts of Marbella, Velez and Estepona, is expected to take the brunt of the extreme weather phenomenon known as a '#Dana'.

"Parts of the eastern Valencia area have also been placed on the highest alert, weeks after the area was devastated by flash floods that killed more than 220 people.

"Several other regions in Spain remain braced for more heavy showers and low temperatures.

"Up to 180mm of rain could fall in #Catalonia in north-eastern Spain in just 12 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms along the coast near Tarragona, forecasters say.

"Schools in the entire southern province of Málaga have been closed while many supermarkets have kept shutters down.

"Footage circulating on social media showed the city's normally busy areas deserted as water flooded the streets.

"Around 3,000 people living in close proximity to the #Guadalhorce River have been told to leave their homes, the Regional Government of #Andalusia has said."

Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80lxd9kne0o

#SpainFloods #ExtremeRain #ExtremeWeather #ClimateChange #ClimateCatastrophe #SpainWx #ExtremeWeather #ExtremeWx

Spain floods: Málaga evacuates thousands as more flood alerts issued

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