Police warn people ‘driving to see the floods’ – as rest centres open in St Asaph and Ruthin after localised flooding

North Wales Police have been called to assist colleagues from Denbighshire County Council and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service in Ruthin, where the river has burst its banks and some homes are being evacuated.

The force tonight said, “Regrettably, people who do not live locally are driving to the area to ‘see the floods’. Not only is this in contravention of the Covid travel restrictions, it is putting lives at risk.

“Emergency services are currently extremely busy trying to keep the public safe across the region – please do not stretch our resources by adding to the problem.”

Denbighshire Council have said, “Rest centres have been opened in St Asaph and Ruthin after some localised flooding following heavy rainfall throughout the day. Residents who have been affected are able to use the facilities at Ruthin Leisure Centre and St Asaph Leisure Centre.”  The rest centres are covid-secure and staff will be wearing PPE.

Wrexham Council have said, “Over 40 streetscene staff are being deployed across the county with significant rainfall overflowing from rivers and fields onto the public highway.

“The amount of water in places is very deep, up to waist height. Please don’t ignore road closed signs. We have evacuated some properties in New Broughton with the assistance of mountain rescue due to high water levels.”

“On high ground we now have levels of snow falling and our gritting crews are being deployed to higher routes as temperatures drop. Please do not go out unless absolutely necessary as all emergency services are being deployed across the county assisting with many calls. Our staff will remain out all night.”