New findings on the rainfall from storms Bert and Dennis have shed light on the dissatisfaction with the Met Office in Wales. The Met Office faced backlash following Storm Bert for only issuing a yellow weather warning for rain, despite hundreds of homes experiencing flooding in Rhondda Cynon Taf. New data has now emerged, providing a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded during these severe weather events.
A recent report on Storm Bert and the resulting floods in Rhondda Cynon Taf has prompted ongoing questions about the adequacy of the warnings issued before the storm hit in November. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council highlighted that the county experienced higher levels of rainfall during Storm Bert compared to Storm Dennis. Despite this, the Met Office had only issued a yellow weather warning for rain for Storm Bert, while a red warning, the most severe, had been issued for Storm Dennis in 2020.
Criticism towards the Met Office ensued, with an MP labelling the agency as “incompetent” and claiming they had let down the population by underestimating the severity of the storm. Andrew Morgan, the Leader of RCT Council, echoed these concerns during a press conference. The report revealed that major rivers in RCT reached nearly record-breaking levels during Storm Bert, surpassing even the records set during Storm Dennis.
The council’s report indicates that despite the lower-level warning issued by the Met Office for Storm Bert, the rainfall totals and intensities were notably higher than during Storm Dennis. In response to the criticism, the Met Office announced plans to conduct a review to assess the appropriateness of the yellow weather warning issued before the storm. The impact of the excessive rainfall and rising river levels resulted in significant internal flooding of properties and infrastructure within RCT.
Communities across RCT, including Treherbert, Porth, Aberdare, Pontypridd, and Nantgarw, were heavily impacted by Storm Bert, with over 600 residents reporting flooding issues. The council estimated a staggering £13 million in damages solely from Storm Bert, underscoring the scale of the disaster. Criticism was not solely directed at the Met Office, as Natural Resources Wales also faced questions regarding the timing of flood warnings issued during the storm.
Cllr Morgan highlighted that a flood warning was issued after substantial flooding had already occurred in some areas, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the early warnings. Gareth O’Shea from NRW acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It’s not an exact science,” as they grappled with unprecedented river rises. Adjustments to the trigger levels for warnings have since been made in Pontypridd to allow for more lead time in issuing warnings before the impact is felt.
The aftermath of Storm Bert serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities communities face in the wake of severe weather events, urging authorities to reevaluate their forecasting and response strategies. The incidents during Storm Bert have sparked discussions on improving warning systems and enhancing preparedness to mitigate the impact of future storms. The resilience of communities in the face of adversity showcases the importance of a collective effort to address the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.
As Wales navigates through the aftermath of Storm Bert, the lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly shape future response measures and strengthen community resilience against the unpredictable forces of nature. The ongoing review by the Met Office and NRW reflects a commitment to enhancing forecasting accuracy and providing timely warnings to safeguard lives and properties. The determination to learn from past events and implement necessary improvements demonstrates a proactive approach towards mitigating the impacts of severe weather events in the future.