Storm Boelo Leaves Thousands Without Power in Wales
High winds and heavy rain cause flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages across Wales as back-to-back storms impact the region.
Hundreds of homes were left without power Sunday morning following back-to-back storms that caused flooding and downed trees across Wales. A wind gust of 84 mph (135 km/h) was recorded in Capel Curig, Conwy county, on Saturday, which also experienced 2.1 inches (54.6 mm) of rain.
Police and local councils reported dealing with flooded roads and fallen trees as Storm Boelo followed Storm Austen over the weekend. Five flood warnings were in place in south Wales on Sunday morning, with 555 homes in Rhayader, Powys, losing electricity. Approximately 100 additional homes across south Wales also experienced power outages. National Grid engineers were working to restore power, apologizing for the disruption.
While most of Wales was not under a weather warning for Storm Boelo, a yellow warning for wind covered parts of north Wales until 9:00 PM GMT on Sunday. Cardiff recorded a total of 2.2 inches (55.2 mm) of rain in Bute Park on Saturday. Transport for Wales announced that bus services would replace some train services due to flooding and adverse weather conditions.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf council confirmed it had received numerous reports of trees obstructing roadways. Natural Resources Wales had five flood warnings active at 9:00 AM, including four for the River Ely and one for the River Rhondda in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf.