Emergency services praised for local storm effort

Members of the various emergency services have been putting in the hours since Saturday, with their efforts soundly praised by officials and the public alike.

Wind damage and flooding wreaked havoc after Storm Ciara brought gusts of up to 86mph through Montgomeryshire since Saturday evening.

Thankfully, most people in the Welshpool area heeded the warnings with no injuries reported, although there was a close shave in Newtown when a tree fell on the back of a car.

Welshpool was almost cut off on Sunday evening when the River Severn burst its banks and thankfully some motorists were fished out of flooded roads by local fire crews.

Powys Highway staff were stretched to the limit, and are still clearing up around the clock with their boss showing his appreciation.

Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste Management, Councillor Heulwen Hulme, said: “Once again our staff were called into action to deal with severe weather after Storm Ciara battered the county leaving a trail of damage and flooding. Crews were in action right across Powys dealing with fallen trees, flooded roads and damage to properties.

“The response of our staff was outstanding. A huge thanks to them all, it was a fantastic effort.”

We can all enjoy some respite now for a couple of days before another bout of rainy and windy weather hits us from Thursday. Met Office meteorologists are concerned that Storm Dennis could make its way to the UK and are monitoring the situation closely.

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