Flooded properties and closed roads followed torrential rain which fell on parts of south Pembrokeshire this morning.


At Narberth Bridge, on the southern approach to the town, flash flooding affected six homes and 21 caravans at the Brookside Caravan Park after water levels in the stream rose 14 feet to flood the main road.


“This has not happened in living memory,” said Narberth’s county councillor, Wynne Evans. “The amount of rain that fell in a short space of time beggars belief.”


Homes in the Springfield Park, off the town’s Jesse Road, also suffered ‘huge property damage’, added Councillor Evans.


He congratulated the emergency service teams - including firefighters from Narberth, Whitland, Crymych, Pembroke Dock, Tenby and Carmarthen - on their swift response to the flooding incidents.


A structural survey of Narberth Bridge was carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council officers after the flood water abated, and a further inspection will take place to identify works needed to prevent further flooding.


“I have visited all residents who were victims of this cruel flood, and will do all possible to assist them in any claims they will make,” said Councillor Evans.


Narberth Bridge was re-opened to traffic at around 2pm, while the A477 Red Roses to St Clears road re-opened at around 3.30pm after being closed for several hours due to flooding at Llanddowror and a fallen tree.


Rail passengers also suffered disruption after trains were unable to run in either diection between Whitland and Pembroke Dock because of flooding across the railway line in Narberth.
 

Rescues

 

Fire Service Incident Commander Craig Thomas commented: “We attended a number of calls in the Narberth Area this morning which included a significant flooding event near Narberth Bridge.

 

"Two properties adjacent to the bridge were affected by the flooding and three persons had to be assisted to safety. Our crews were also involved in assessing the risks to a caravan park upstream of the bridge which was also threatened due to the quantities of water.

 

"We were able to utilise the Dyfed Powys Police Helicopter who provided aerial information on the extent of the flooding. There were reports of a LPG heating tank which had floated away with the surge, Specialist Fire Crews located and secured this to ensure the continued safety of members of the public. In total six properties were affected by the floodwater ".

 

Whilst there were no injuries reported, an inspection was undertaken by Local Authority Structural Engineers of Narberth Bridge to ensure that no damage has been caused by the water.


In a separate incident firefighters rescued a family who's 4x4 vehicle had become trapped when trying to navigate through floodwater in the Whitland Area. Two specialist water rescue crews from Carmarthen and Swansea Central Fire Stations rescued the family using specialist boats and Swift Water Rescue techniques.


Craig Thomas added: "The Service will be monitoring the weather and flood forecasts throughout the day and would I would advise the public to remain vigilant to the potential of flooding".