Widespread flooding hits Flintshire as Storm Darragh batters the region

Storm Darragh has caused widespread disruption across Flintshire, with flooding, road closures, and power outages affecting the county.

The storm, which has brought heavy rain and strong winds to North Wales, is leaving a trail of damage and travel chaos.

Flooding blocked the westbound A55 North Wales Expressway between J33 (Northop) and J32 (Holywell) for several hours, it has since reopened.

Numerous other roads in Flintshire are also affected, with reports of fallen trees adding to the problems..

In Hawarden, sections of Manor Lane and Chester Road near the Airbus roundabout have become impassable due to flooding.

Heavy flooding is also being reported in Mold.

@DeesideDotCom
Forget the A541 out of Yr Wyddgrug towards Denbigh unless you are in a 4 X 4 pic.twitter.com/4rQy1cA9W0

— dezroberts (@gsxr750k2) December 7, 2024

Other side of Mold by old Morris’s Garage…. @DeesideDotCom #storm pic.twitter.com/VlXEhkJ5Mm

— Neill Rees Hughes (@neillreeshughes) December 7, 2024

This is Mold, Flintshire today. Power cuts have just happened in and around Mold. @DeesideDotCom pic.twitter.com/3SIXb34pAB

— Jason Mansell 🇸🇱 (@jasonmansell73) December 7, 2024

Wind gusts of over 55mph have been recorded locally, adding to the hazards and prompting safety warnings.

Across Flintshire, power cuts have also been reported, with some homes and businesses temporarily left without electricity.

SP Energy Networks has said: “Storm Darragh has resulted in strong winds and flooding across the region resulting in some damage to our network.”

“Whilst we have our engineers deployed across the region, they are currently unable to work at height due to the current extreme weather conditions.”

“We are currently restoring supply to as many customers as possible from our network control centre, and once the weather situation improves will commence the remainder of the repairs.”

 
An Amber Warning remains in place until 9pm, meaning severe weather conditions are expected to continue.

“There is widespread surface water and localised flooding, with numerous road closures across the region—including trunk roads and smaller routes. Fallen trees and debris are adding to the disruption.” North Wales Police said.

Superintendent Owain Llewellyn said: “Public safety continues to be our priority. Responders are experiencing significant demand, so please avoid unnecessary travel and follow official advice.”

“We strongly urge all drivers to avoid attempting to drive through any floodwater. Stranded vehicles not only divert vital emergency resources away from critical incidents but can also worsen flooding in nearby properties, causing unnecessary damage and risk.”

“I am grateful to residents and our multi-agency colleagues across the region for their cooperation and tireless efforts during this challenging time.”

Storm Darragh is expected to ease later today as the low-pressure system moves eastward. However, colder northerly winds may bring frost and wintry showers overnight into Sunday.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “Storm Darragh is now moving across the UK bringing very strong winds, heavy rain and in Scotland some snow over the higher ground. These very strong winds will bring significant disruption, with the risk of flying debris, falling trees, large waves along the coast and power cuts. During this spell of severe weather it is important to listen to responders and emergency services in your area and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast.

“Storm Darragh will gradually ease from late morning as it crosses the UK, so the strongest winds in the west will start to reduce through Saturday. As the low pressure moves away to the east, colder northerly winds will move across the UK bringing the risk of overnight frosts and some wintry showers over high ground in the north on Sunday. By Monday high pressure becomes centred over the north of the UK and conditions will become much more settled.”

In a joint statement, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “As expected, Storm Darragh has had very significant effects in many parts of Wales, including on transport, energy infrastructure and property.”

“On behalf of everyone, we wish to thank the emergency services and first responders who have been out through the night in dreadful conditions to keep people safe.”

“Our thanks also to people throughout Wales who heeded the very serious Red warning and Emergency Alert that was issued. Your actions truly helped the emergency response, and we are grateful.”

“Work is ongoing to restore power to homes and re-open parts of the transport network, and our thoughts are with people who have suffered damage to their property and possessions from the storm.”

‘Many warnings and alerts remain in place, in particular around rivers, and people should be vigilant as the effects of Storm Darragh may be felt for some days yet.”

Staying safe in strong winds

Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property, check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds. Items include:

• bins
• plant pots
• garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place)
• trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
• sheds (ensure doors are locked) like bins, plant pots, garden furniture or trampolines

Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.