The River Ely burst its banks near homes in several areas on Sunday morning, leaving roads impassable, vehicles submerged, and trainlines underwater. The river, which runs from near Tonyrefail into Cardiff Bay, spilled over in multiple locations across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff.
Flood warnings and bridge closure
Natural Resources Wales issued four flood warnings for areas along the river: Peterston-Super-Ely, St Fagans, Ely Bridge, and Talbot Green. Police cordoned off Ely Bridge on Cowbridge Road West at around 5am on Sunday due to the high river level. Officers at the scene told members of the public that although the river had not yet burst its banks over the bridge, there were concerns about the bridge collapsing if it did.
Next to the bridge on Wroughton Place, the river had burst its banks, and large vacuum trucks were in operation to try to clear the water and stop it from reaching homes and businesses. Due to the bridge closure, Cardiff Bus services on routes 13, 17/18, and 96 are diverting between Victoria Park and Ely via A4232 and Culverhouse Cross instead of travelling along Cowbridge Road West.
Village flooding and travel disruption
In St Fagans, the River Ely burst its banks causing extensive flooding around the small village. Several roads are flooded, meaning the museum is only accessible via the A4232. Nearby railway tracks are underwater, and vehicles are completely submerged.
As a result of flooding on the line, Transport for Wales and Great Western Rail services between Cardiff and Bridgend or Swansea are cancelled or delayed, with disruption set to continue during the day. In Peterston-Super-Ely, there is some flooding on road surfaces, but damage does not appear to be extensive.
Earlier flooding and ongoing winds
The 24-mile-long river also burst its banks in Pontyclun on Saturday evening, with the fire service attending Ynysddu near the banks of the river to clear excess water overnight. While the flooding there has now been cleared, properties were very close to being flooded that evening.
While much of the heavy rain has now subsided, Storm Beleo is still bringing strong winds across the area. Since Friday, more than 40 trees have fallen across Cardiff as a result of heavy winds, and Cardiff Council said they were working to remove fallen trees on a "priority basis" this morning. Members of the public are being urged to stay vigilant for fallen branches, flying debris, and to be extra aware of mature trees in local parks and green spaces.
Sunday is expected to remain dry, but high winds have seen restrictions placed on the M4's Earlswood Bridge at Neath and on the Britannia Bridge. The forecast for Monday in Wales sees more wet weather on the way. The Met Office forecast says: "Feeling unpleasant during the morning with strengthening winds under a band of persistent rain. Patchy rain and some brighter spells during the afternoon, but very strong winds and coastal gales."
