**Alerts Issued at Over 40 Welsh Beaches as Storm Sewage is Released**
Storm sewage discharge warnings have been issued for more than 40 beaches across Wales within the past 48 hours, following heavy rainfalls, as reported by charity Surfers Against Sewage. The environmental charity, known for its marine conservation efforts, highlighted the alerts on its website. A 27-hour weather warning has been put in place for 16 regions in Wales, as the country continues to face relentless rain. Recent data indicates that Cardiff and Milford Haven experienced some of the highest rainfall levels on Wednesday.
In the wake of the downpours, parts of Swansea’s Fabian Way had to be closed earlier today due to flooding, affecting traffic leaving the city. In the 24-hour period leading up to Thursday morning, Cardiff recorded 34mm of rainfall, while Milford Haven saw 22mm. Furthermore, more wet weather is anticipated, with a yellow weather warning in effect from 6 am on Thursday until 9 am on Friday.
Sewage pollution alerts have been raised for several Welsh coastal areas, including Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Pembrokeshire, Tenby, and Barry, by Surfers Against Sewage. The charity explains that storm sewage consists of everything flushed down toilets or washed down drains, eventually released into the environment through sewer overflows or runoff from land and roads. This pollution poses health risks to water users, potentially causing illnesses from viruses to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
While Natural Resources Wales has not yet issued any flood alerts or warnings, Surfers Against Sewage has identified several beaches impacted by storm sewage discharge within the last 48 hours. These beaches include Rhyl East, Abergele Pensarn, Llandudno North Shore, St Davids Benllech, Cemaes, Porth Dafarch, Trearddur Bay, Morfa Nefyn, Aberdaron, Pwllheli, Glan Don Beach, Barmouth, Aberdyfi, Aberystwyth South, Traeth Gwyn New Quay, Llangrannog, Poppit West, Newport North, Abermawr, Broadhaven Beach, Lydstep, Castle Beach Tenby, Saundersfoot, Coppet Hall, Wisemans Bridge, Pendine Sands, Caswell Central, Langland West, Limeslade Bay, Bracelet Bay, Swansea Bay, Trecco Bay Porthcawl, Ogmore By Sea, Cold Knap Barry, Watch House Bay, Whitmore Bay Barry Island, Jacksons Bay Barry Island, Penarth Beach, and Radyr Weir.
The ongoing release of storm sewage into Wales’s coastal waters underscores the environmental challenges faced by the region due to heavy rainfall and associated water runoff. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on the latest alerts and information regarding water quality at affected beaches.