Fighting the storms (From Penarth Times)

Fighting the storms

PENARTH was hit by high winds and lashing rain as the Vale of Glamorgan took the full force of the storms on Sunday.

A pavilion was blown over on Penarth Head at 2.30pm.

A witness heard it crashing as she sat in nearby Penarth Head Lane. Beulah Wolf, 81, who is visiting relatives and is from the United States, saw the building blow over.

She said: "I have never seen anything like it before and I live in Florida which is sometimes hit by hurricanes."

Terry Strange, a relative of Mrs Wolf, rang the police who came down and secured the pavilion.

It is now cordoned off to the public as it is still unsafe.

A school, popular with Penarth parents, was also hit by the severe weather. At Richard Gwyn school on Argae Lane, Barry, was closed on Monday due to flooding.

The flood has subsided and the school is now open but there is still some surface water on site.

The Vale of Glamorgan itself had some of the worst storms to hit Wales.

Environment agency regional flood manager Geoff Bayliss said: "With the weather showing signs of increased storminess, it is vital that people understand the risks of flooding to them and that they know how to cope if the worst happens."

A total of 20 flood watches and six flood warnings were issued across South and West Wales, as rivers started to rise.

There were no reports of rivers flooding properties, but there was a number of incidents where local authorities and emergency services responded to reports of properties being flooded from surface water sources.

Geoff Bayliss said: "You can't always prevent flooding, but you can prepare for it.

"The agency aims to show people that they can reduce the threat of floods to their homes and businesses by taking some very basic measures."

There are many ways the public can be alerted to a flood, such as automatic voice messaging, and sirens or loud hailers.

People in risk areas are urged to remember the flood warning codes.

These are 'flood watch' which means flooding is possible so be aware.

'Flood warning' - flooding is expected act now, then 'severe flood warning', which is imminent danger to property.

And 'all clear', which means that flood waters are abating.

Measures will be explained in the agencies 2002 public awareness campaign.

Information packs can be obtained by ringing floodline on 08459 881188 which is open 24- hours-a-day.

There is a recorded message warning of any floods across the country.