Flood Warnings Issued as Further Heavy Rain Forecast

A multi-agency response is being coordinated to deal with the widespread flooding across North Wales.

UPDATE 11pm Boxing Day: Those involved in the multi-agency response are constantly monitoring the situation with regards to the flooding across North Wales.

Superintendent Nigel Harrison, who is leading the co-ordinated response, said: “There are numerous isolated pockets of flooding throughout North Wales, but as yet there has been no requirement for large scale evacuations.”

“We must reiterate the message that people should not travel unless it is absolutely essential, as driving conditions may be difficult. People should not attempt to walk or drive through flood water unless instructed to do so by the emergency services.”

The eastbound carriageway of the A55 has now opened, but the westbound carriageway is expected to remain closed, between junctions 11 and 15, until around midnight. The A5 is completely impassable at a number of locations and the A470 will remain closed throughout the night at Maenan.

For further information on the flooding visit the Natural Resources Wales website at www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Information and updates are also available via Natural Resources Wales’s twitter account: @natreswales.

Updates on the diversions in place on the roads across North Wales can be obtained via Traffic Wales on www.traffic-wales.com or alternatively on twitter via north & mid Wales@trafficwalesN

Original information below…

Much of the region has been hit with severe wind and rain over the past 24 hours – resulting in floods across the north west of Wales and flood warnings being issued in the north east.

Recent flood warning updates around Wrexham include the River Dee towards Bangor-on-Dee. In the most recent warning issued by Gov.uk, it states: “Flood defences are now in operation and the situation on site is being monitored. River levels in the upper parts of the Dee catchment have peaked, however, River levels at Bangor on Dee are rising and are expected to do so for the next six hours. There is also a heavy band of rain expected to move through this evening, with a dry forecast for the rest of the night into Sunday.”

Flood warnings have also been issued for the Lower Dee Valley from Llangollen to Trevalyn Meadows and the Upper Dee Valley from Llanuwchllyn to Llangollen including Corwen.

The weather has resulted in many of the main routes to and from north west Wales being flooded and closed off, with issues starting on the roads very early this morning.

The A55 is closed in both directions between Junctions 11 and 15 due to flooding. The B5109 Llanfaes Beaumaris is closed as is the A5/A470 Junction at Waterloo Bridge. There is also heavy flooding on the A487 Bangor and the road is closed from Vaynol Roundabout up to the St David’s Retail Park.

As a result people are being urged to not travel unless it’s necessary.

Superintendent Nigel Harrison, who is leading the co-ordinated response, said: “Due to the high level of calls regarding the flooding, we are working closely with all the agencies to safeguard the public.”

“Every effort is being made to ensure all the major road networks are re-opened as soon as possible and people living in the affected areas need to heed the warnings and only travel when it is absolutely necessary.”

Supt Harrison added: “We are in close liaison with the Natural Resources Wales to ensure the necessary steps are taken should any further evacuation be required.”

“We are advising people not to travel unless it is absolutely essential, and then to allow extra time for journey as driving conditions may be difficult. Flood water can be extremely dangerous, and people should not attempt to walk or drive through it unless instructed by the emergency services.”

For updates on the flooding in North Wales please follow @NWPolice and @NWPControlroom.