- AMBER WARNING: RAIN 01:00 -18:00 TODAY
- YELLOW WARNING: RAIN 18:00 – 21:00 TODAY
- AMBER WARNING: WIND 01:00-21:00 TODAY
- YELLOW WARNING: WIND 21:00 TODAY – 18:00 SUNDAY
Over the last day the weather has been exceptionally windy! Gusts of around 75mph were recorded on the Bwlch earlier today.
Council crews have been responding to a huge number of issues caused by high winds such as trees falling onto highways, impacted structures, and damage to both private and Council buildings. They are responding as quickly as they can to reports and prioritising those with the highest impact.
People are being urged to avoid non-essential travel today, and consider their travel plans for tomorrow. Driving conditions are extremely hazardous, with falling trees and debris, high winds, and possible surface flooding all posing a danger to vehicles.
With winds expected to be higher than normal until 18:00 tomorrow, disruption should be expected into next week. There will be a significant amount of debris on our highways and footways that will need to be cleared, and this will continue to fall after the weather has passed.
The sustained high winds will have weakened some trees and branches, which may not fall or break for a few days. Please take care when driving or walking in areas with lots of tree coverage throughout next week.
Our teams will inspect our parks to check for dangers to visitors before reopening, so please bear with us. Most parks will be open on Monday, and we will do this as quickly as possible. There are a number of parks with fallen trees and debris, and your safety remains our concern.
Please report issues such as fallen trees or flooding today and tomorrow by calling 01443 425011. Please don’t report these on social media to ensure they are prioritised correctly.
Hendreforgan – Gilfach Goch
We were alerted to a sinkhole appearing in the garden of a private property. Officers from the Council attended to investigate and concluded it was the result of a damaged private culvert from adjoining land, which runs underneath the property.
On Friday evening, a decision was made in agreement with the Emergency Services, to evacuate the elderly resident of the property as precautionary measure only. The resident was safely evacuated from their home and has been placed in accommodation by the Council.
Council officers were on-site throughout the night to monitor changes. During the increased rainfall today due to debris, the culvert has been overwhelmed resulting in waterflows along the highway.
Although in this situation it would usually be a matter for the homeowner and their insurer, the Council has taken the decision to intervene using emergency powers to manage the impacts from the culvert failure to mitigate risk to property and the highway.
The affected homeowner’s insurer has been informed. Specialist contractors are on site to divert water and to assess the situation. South Wales Fire & Rescue have attended the scene.
Warm Hubs enabled in response to power cuts
As a result of Storm Darragh some properties in Rhondda Cynon Taf are experiencing power cuts. Warm Hubs will be available at Tonyrefail Leisure Centre from 4pm and Sobell Sports Centre from 4.30pm for people to attend should they wish. Warm drinks and bottle warming facilities will be available.
Please visit the National Grid website for the most up to date information.
Posted on 07/12/2024