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RNLI help evacuate homes as gales hit north Wales RNLI help evacuate homes as gales hit north Wales
(35 minutes later)
Lifeboats have evacuated dozens of homes and offices in Rhyl after several hundred properties flooded during high tides and gale force winds.Lifeboats have evacuated dozens of homes and offices in Rhyl after several hundred properties flooded during high tides and gale force winds.
The storm hit the north Wales coast causing major disruption with roads closed, schools shut and trains stopped.The storm hit the north Wales coast causing major disruption with roads closed, schools shut and trains stopped.
Two severe warnings - suggesting there is a danger to life - had been issued for the area earlier on Thursday.Two severe warnings - suggesting there is a danger to life - had been issued for the area earlier on Thursday.
Scaffolding around a supermarket collapsed onto several cars in Mold.Scaffolding around a supermarket collapsed onto several cars in Mold.
In Rhyl, one of the worst affected areas, a rest centre was set up at the leisure centre for residents and schoolchildren forced to leave buildings the tidal surge.In Rhyl, one of the worst affected areas, a rest centre was set up at the leisure centre for residents and schoolchildren forced to leave buildings the tidal surge.
At least 25 residents and six dogs were rescued.At least 25 residents and six dogs were rescued.
"Two RNLI Flood Rescue Teams assembled in St Asaph and have been deployed to assist the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service in evacuating residents from flooded bungalows in Rhyl," a spokesman for the lifeboat charity said."Two RNLI Flood Rescue Teams assembled in St Asaph and have been deployed to assist the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service in evacuating residents from flooded bungalows in Rhyl," a spokesman for the lifeboat charity said.
Two inshore lifeboats were used to ferry people to safety.Two inshore lifeboats were used to ferry people to safety.
Nearby areas were also affected.Nearby areas were also affected.
North Wales Police also urged evacuation in Talacre, Ty'n Y Morfa, Dee Bank, Boot, Welston, Walwen and the Greenfield Business Park.North Wales Police also urged evacuation in Talacre, Ty'n Y Morfa, Dee Bank, Boot, Welston, Walwen and the Greenfield Business Park.
"People are being asked to take action to move important and valuable items to safety, making sure they keep themselves and their families safe and to listen to the advice of emergency services," said a spokesman."People are being asked to take action to move important and valuable items to safety, making sure they keep themselves and their families safe and to listen to the advice of emergency services," said a spokesman.
Thirteen flood warnings remain in place across north Wales and the warnings have increased to their highest state of alert at Greenfield, Bagillt and Point of Ayr.Thirteen flood warnings remain in place across north Wales and the warnings have increased to their highest state of alert at Greenfield, Bagillt and Point of Ayr.
People living near the River Dee at Saltney, Flintshire said they could not remember the river being as high.People living near the River Dee at Saltney, Flintshire said they could not remember the river being as high.
A BBC reporter at Talacre, Flintshire said the area was "like a ghost town an hour and a half after the evacuation.A BBC reporter at Talacre, Flintshire said the area was "like a ghost town an hour and a half after the evacuation.
"The Dee estuary is bubbling away like a broth.""The Dee estuary is bubbling away like a broth."
There are reports that the defences have broken.There are reports that the defences have broken.
Scaffolding being used in roof repairs at an Aldi store in Mold, Flintshire, collapsed onto cars in high winds.Scaffolding being used in roof repairs at an Aldi store in Mold, Flintshire, collapsed onto cars in high winds.
An Aldi spokesperson said: "Although nobody was hurt in the incident, we immediately evacuated the store."An Aldi spokesperson said: "Although nobody was hurt in the incident, we immediately evacuated the store."
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had warned that high tides and gale force winds could "cause sea surges at their highest levels for the last 10 years, possibly 20 years".Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had warned that high tides and gale force winds could "cause sea surges at their highest levels for the last 10 years, possibly 20 years".
Strong winds of between 60-70mph (97-113km/h) had been reported on the Llyn peninsula on Thursday morning.Strong winds of between 60-70mph (97-113km/h) had been reported on the Llyn peninsula on Thursday morning.
The NRW had urged people to keep away from sea fronts and said emergency response workers were at "key sites".The NRW had urged people to keep away from sea fronts and said emergency response workers were at "key sites".
Roads in Wrexham have also been affected by fallen trees. Emergency teams also attended several reports at Ruabon, Johnstown and Wrexham bypass, among other areas.Roads in Wrexham have also been affected by fallen trees. Emergency teams also attended several reports at Ruabon, Johnstown and Wrexham bypass, among other areas.
Flintshire Bridge which straddles the Dee at Connah's Quay has been closed.Flintshire Bridge which straddles the Dee at Connah's Quay has been closed.
Cars in Deganwy were caught in the flood water but sandbags stopped homes in Marine Parade being damaged.Cars in Deganwy were caught in the flood water but sandbags stopped homes in Marine Parade being damaged.
Meanwhile, Virgin Trains stopped services between Chester and Holyhead.Meanwhile, Virgin Trains stopped services between Chester and Holyhead.
And Arriva Trains Wales says some of its services have also been hit.And Arriva Trains Wales says some of its services have also been hit.
Flood alerts were also issued for the north Wales coast, the west Anglesey coastline, Llyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastlines as well as Swansea Bay and Gower coast.Flood alerts were also issued for the north Wales coast, the west Anglesey coastline, Llyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastlines as well as Swansea Bay and Gower coast.
Updates and information are available on Floodline 0845 988 11 88.Updates and information are available on Floodline 0845 988 11 88.
The flooding was caused by a storm surge from a combination of low pressure and winds of up to 70 mph, causing water to pile high.
At high tide, the sea level rose by at least a metre above usual levels.
The highest wind speed was 77mph inland at Capel Curig in Conwy.
The Met Office expects the worst of Thursday's weather to hit north and west Scotland and parts of north and eastern England, and has issued an amber "be prepared" warning.The Met Office expects the worst of Thursday's weather to hit north and west Scotland and parts of north and eastern England, and has issued an amber "be prepared" warning.
Have you been affected by flooding? Tell us what it is like in your area. E-mail them to newsonline.wales@bbc.co.ukHave you been affected by flooding? Tell us what it is like in your area. E-mail them to newsonline.wales@bbc.co.uk
Please see our BBC Terms of Usebut remember that the copyright remains with you. The pictures will only be used by the BBC for the purposes of this project.Please see our BBC Terms of Usebut remember that the copyright remains with you. The pictures will only be used by the BBC for the purposes of this project.