Flash flooding in south after torrential rain

Flash flooding has hit several areas of south Wales, with the situation in one area described as “horrendous”.

Firefighters said they were extremely busy with multiple 999 calls, including in Cardiff, Port Talbot and near Newport.

South Wales Police said Talbot Road in Port Talbot was closed in both directions after thunderstorms rolled through the area on Friday night.

Drains were overwhelmed in Whitchurch, Cardiff, where Merthyr Road was submerged after a torrential downpour, and sandbags were handed out in Aberavon.

Stephanie Grimshaw, a Neath Port Talbot councillor, posted on Facebook: “Residents in Aberavon please be careful, there is severe flooding in the area.

“Sandbags are in the process of being delivered out to residents.”

Natural Resources Wales said there was one flood warning for Ilston Brook at Ilston, Gower, and two flood alerts for the Gower Peninsula and River Ewenny and Vale of Glamorgan west.

David Rees, the Aberavon Member of the Senedd (MS), whose constituency includes Port Talbot, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Terrible conditions tonight. Everyone take care & stay safe. Horrendous flooding seen in parts of the constituency.”

Gwent Police said officers were dealing with surface water issues on the A449 Newport to Usk trunk route.

There have been dozens of lightning strikes across south Wales between Chepstow and Gower.

A Met Office yellow weather warning for heavy thundery rain was in force until 02:00 BST on Saturday.

Forecasters warned that up to 7cm (2.75in) of rain could fall in just a few hours.

The storms are expected to clear westwards overnight.