UK – Heavy Rain From Storm Callum Causes Major Flooding in Wales

by in News, UK

At least 2 people died as Storm Callum swept across parts of the UK over the weekend, 12 to 14 October, 2018.

The storm brought winds of over 70 mph (112 km/h), high waves and torrential rain. Some areas of Wales recorded over a month’s worth of rain during the storm. Libanus in the Brecon Beacons, south Wales, recorded 198mm of rain in a 36 hour period, above the October monthly average of 146mm.

The heavy rain caused rivers to overflow and wide areas of Wales were badly affected by floods. By 13 October there were 46 Flood Alerts and 31 Flood Warnings in place in Wales. Homes and businesses were damaged and rail and road travel severely disrupted, with Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and south Powys the worst affected.

Flood alerts in Wales during Storm Callum, 13 October 2018. Image: Natural Resources Wales

Natural Resources Wales said river levels have been amongst the highest seen in south west Wales for many years and some of the flooding in Carmarthenshire was the worst for 30 years. Rivers reached record levels in at least 4 locations; the Tywi at Capel Dewi and also at Pothouse Wharf, the Teifi at Llanfair and the Gwili at Glan Gwili.

Two people died as a result of the storm. A man was swept into rough seas in Brighton, East Sussex. Another man died in a landslide on a road in Cwmduad, Carmarthenshire on Saturday, 13 October.

Flooding was also seen in some parts of South West England. Flooding damaged rail tracks near the Teignmouth Estuary in Devon. Rail services between Penzance and Exeter were suspended as rough seas crashed over the track.

Rivers in Wales

Gwili at Glan Gwili in Wales during Storm Callum, October 2018. Image: Natural Resources Wales
Teifi at Llanfair in Wales during Storm Callum, October 2018. Image: Natural Resources Wales
Tywi at Pothouse Wharf in Wales during Storm Callum, October 2018. Image: Natural Resources Wales
Dulais at Cilfrew in Wales during Storm Callum, October 2018. Image: Natural Resources Wales
Tywi at Capel Dewi in Wales during Storm Callum, October 2018. Image: Natural Resources Wales

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