Latest Weather Warning For RCT
A YELLOW Weather Warning has been issued by the Met Office, covering the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf from 00:00 on Tuesday, January 19, until 12:00 on Thursday, January 21.
The forecast is for long spells of heavy rain, brought by Storm Christoph, with over 130mm expected over the hills at the top end of the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys.
Residents and businesses are being warned of the potential risk of flooding in some parts of Wales as a result of the prolonged rainfall. The Met Office is also warning of travel disruption, potential power failure, difficult driving conditions and potential road closures.
Motorists undertaking essential journeys in line with the current Alert Level 4 restrictions are advised to take extra care and drive according to the weather conditions.
The Council is closely monitoring the developments of the forecast and has taken a number of steps to prepare for the weather event, including the drafting in of additional staff and plant resources and increasing the proactive culvert inspection regime. The Council will also be opening and staffing its newly opened Emergency Control Centre as a precaution and also to test the systems in place.
Although a tremendous amount of work has already been completed and is currently underway to repair infrastructure and upgrade culverts following the unprecedented damage caused by Storm Dennis early last year, the Council is advising that those in high-risk areas should be aware of the risk posed by the significant rainfall that is expected over the coming days.
Works have this week continued on-site at a number of locations to repair infrastructure, however the Council is aware that there remains a lot more to do. The current forecast is concerning and the Council will continue to monitor developments and communicate any updates to residents.
Residents are advised to remain alert and to take extra care at this time. Where possible and safe to do so, residents and businesses are also being asked to themselves help alleviate the risk of flooding in local areas.
There are small actions we can do which could make a big difference, such as removing fallen leaves and clearing other debris from private drains and properties, as these are often the main culprits of flooding by blocking drains.
Residents in possession of flood prevention measures (such as flood gates) may also wish to consider putting these in place during the Warning period, which is likely to be the worst weather event experienced since Storm Dennis.
The Council will issue a further update on Tuesday (January 19) as it receives more details from our weather forecasters. Please follow relevant organisations including the Met Office, Natural Resources Wales and the Council’s own social media accounts for all the latest updates, along with local news outlets.
For any issues during normal office hours, please call 01443 425001. If you have any issues outside of normal office hours, please call our Emergency Out Of Hours number 01443 425011.
