Heavy rain and strong winds force road closures and flood alerts across Wales
Police warned early Sunday that flooding from Storm Boelo had shut several roads in Cardiff, while Wales faced multiple flood warnings and alerts.
Early Sunday morning, police issued a flood warning as Storm Boelo caused road closures in Cardiff after two flooding events along the River Ely. Both directions of Ely Bridge on Cowbridge Road West and the Michaelston Road to Castle Hill Court were blocked, and motorists were asked to seek alternate routes. Across Wales, five flood warnings and 45 alerts were active, accompanied by a Met Office 12-hour weather warning covering most regions.
The storm, the second in two days, also damaged overhead power lines on a railway near Abercynon and caused a crash on the M4 near Bridgend, leading to further delays. Motorists on the Swansea-area motorway faced lane closures due to surface water. Forecasts warned of very strong winds persisting throughout the day, especially in northern Wales.
Why it matters
Severe weather is disrupting transport and threatening safety in Wales, affecting commuters and emergency services.
How this story developed
- Oct 17 Met Office warns of unsettled autumn weather and cooler London nights
- Oct 20 The Met Office warns that Storm Austen will bring wind gusts of 50-60mph to much of southern Britain, with the strongest coastal areas possibly seeing speeds over 70mph.
- Oct 22 Met Office expanded the yellow wind warning to cover all of Wales, forecasting gusts of 70 mph or higher.
- Oct 23 The country has remained storm‑free and is experiencing drought conditions.
- Oct 23 Storm Austen moved into France and Belgium, causing power outages and transport disruptions, while Storm Boelo prompted amber wind warnings and rail service suspensions in Scotland.
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