Severe Flooding Hits M4 and A470 in Wales, Drivers Warned
Heavy rainfall leads to chaos on major roads as drivers face challenges
Major roads in Wales, including the M4 and A470, have been severely affected by flooding on Tuesday evening, causing disruptions and challenges for drivers. The torrential downpours have resulted in standing water on the road surface, making it difficult for vehicles to navigate through certain areas.
Pictures and videos captured the extent of the flooding, with scenes of vehicles struggling on the M4 in Neath Port Talbot and at the Coryton roundabout in Cardiff. As a result of the flooding, one lane on the M4 eastbound between junctions 43 at Llandarcy and 42 at Briton Ferry has been closed. Despite the lane closure, traffic is reportedly managing the situation well.
At the Coryton roundabout, part of the road is blocked, affecting the A470 Northern Avenue heading southbound. The AA has highlighted that the flooding at Coryton is disrupting the westbound entry slip road, adding to the challenges faced by drivers in the area.
South Wales Police received reports of severe flooding on the A470 at Upper Boat in Pontypridd, heading north towards Merthyr Tydfil. Eyewitnesses described the standing water as “dangerous,” with lane one and the hard shoulder completely flooded, leading to tailbacks on the road. The police have urged drivers to exercise caution and ensure their safety on the roads.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain starting from 12 pm on Tuesday, continuing until at least noon on Wednesday. The warning highlighted potential transport disruptions, flooding in residential and commercial areas, and the possibility of power outages. Additionally, spray and flooding on roads could result in longer journey times, with potential delays expected on bus and train services.
By the end of Wednesday, parts of west Wales could see up to 75mm of rainfall over 48 hours, equivalent to the average precipitation for the entire month of April. The Met Office’s forecast for Wales on Tuesday evening and overnight includes further heavy rain moving north and east, with a risk of thunderstorms, before easing by dawn. Winds are expected to be strong, especially along exposed coastlines and hills, with a forecast minimum temperature of 5°C.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, the weather is projected to involve more cloud and rain, albeit becoming drier and brighter in the south with possible sunny intervals. Despite the rainfall, temperatures are likely to remain cool, with a maximum temperature of 13°C. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to ensure public safety during the challenging weather conditions.
As drivers navigate the flooded roads and authorities work to manage the situation, it is crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant while travelling. The safety of individuals on the road remains a top priority, and cooperation from the public is essential to mitigate the impact of the severe weather conditions in Wales.
For real-time news updates and alerts, stay connected with Wales Online for the latest developments and guidance. In times of challenging weather events like these, staying informed can make a significant difference in ensuring the well-being of everyone in the community.