Heavy rain in Pembrokeshire last week caused flooding on a road in Gumfreston, Tenby. However, the warning signs meant to alert drivers of the flooding failed to do so efficiently. Councillor Rhys Jordan disclosed this information during a Pembrokeshire council meeting, mentioning that the signs “don’t like operating when it’s wet.” Despite efforts, the system did not function properly during the flooding incident.
Darren Thomas, the director of transport and environment, acknowledged the challenges with the supplier of the signs and assured that steps were being taken to address the issue. Councillor Rhys Sinnett highlighted the need for improvements in the flood warning system as autumn and winter approached. He mentioned that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) was exploring options for a flood risk management scheme in the River Ritec catchment area situated on a flood plain.
To enhance the flood warning system, NRW already has a flood warning system in place for the river. Plans include the installation of an additional water depth gauge and encouraging residents to sign up for flood alerts. Despite these measures, Councillor Jordan raised concerns about the effectiveness of the flood warning system, especially when it failed to notify drivers during recent flooding incidents.
Addressing the need for public confidence, Councillor Sinnett emphasised the importance of ensuring that the system operated effectively. He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to resolve any issues with the warning signs. Despite facing challenges with the sign supplier, the council is committed to rectifying the situation and is considering potential changes to the supplier to ensure the system operates efficiently in the future.
In conclusion, the council has pledged to improve the warning systems on the flood-prone road to prevent such incidents in the future. Measures are being taken to enhance the flood warning system and provide timely alerts to residents and drivers, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and sign up for flood alerts to ensure their safety during flooding events.