Wales has been hit by severe flooding due to Storm Bert, which has caused politicians and residents alike to criticise the level and timing of weather warnings. Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, expressed his surprise at only a yellow weather warning being put in place, saying an amber warning was expected. Rhondda and Ogmore MP Sir Chris Bryant and Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales Central Heledd Fychan also criticised the timings of warnings, with the latter stating that the warnings came “far too late” and questions would be raised as to why lessons had not been learnt from 2020.
Despite residents in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, saying that lessons were not learned from Storm Dennis last year, which left much of the town underwater, the Met Office said the storm was “well forecast” and a number of warnings for it were issued. In the aftermath of the storm, which caused 30 school closures, most in Caerphilly and Monmouthshire, and two severe flood warnings near the River Monnow in Osbaston and Skenfrith in Monmouthshire (since lifted), talks have been held to discuss emergency funding.
Council leader Andrew Morgan stated that between 200 and 300 properties were affected, and also said one bridge that was under construction, which was replaced after Storm Dennis, was completely washed away. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) monitors river levels and Sian Williams from the government body said that initial flood alerts were issued for each river on Saturday evening, adding that NRW would investigate complaints that warnings came too late. Devon Eason, club manager of Blackwood Rugby Club, Caerphilly, said that he was “devastated” by
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