The A483 junction was completely impassable from Sunday afternoon, with South Wales Police diverting traffic via Pentregethin Road. First Cymru buses rerouted several services, and Swansea Council warned drivers to avoid the area.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service sent specialist crews with a boat to the scene, while videos on social media showed some people paddleboarding – and even swimming – in the murky floodwater.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Council: culvert couldn’t cope with downpour
Swansea Council said early investigations suggest a nearby culvert was unable to cope with the sustained volume of water during the severe downpours. The authority is working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to determine the exact cause.
The flooding also forced the closure of the nearby CREST Mental Health Service on Monday, with hopes it could reopen the following day.
Possible link to Cwmfelin Club sinkhole
Local councillor Peter Black said the incident is likely connected to the long‑running collapse of the Burlais Brook culvert beneath the Cwmfelin Social Club – a site Swansea Bay News has previously reported is due to be demolished so repairs can take place.
In a Facebook exchange with residents, Cllr Black explained that the culvert collapse has blocked the watercourse, causing water to back up along Heol y Gors and force its way out through manholes. A temporary pump installed on the brook “clearly can’t cope with this rain,” he said.
Residents voice frustration
Some residents complained about blocked drains and a lack of urgency in tackling drainage problems along Heol y Gors, warning that the road had already been closed for months due to water damage. Others questioned how far the culvert collapse could be responsible for flooding higher up the hill.
Cllr Black said the repair work cannot begin until the Cwmfelin Club is demolished – a process he warned will take months – but stressed he is pressing for progress.
Severe weather across Wales
The flooding came amid a Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain across Wales. Gusts of up to 66mph were recorded in Gwynedd, with power cuts affecting hundreds of homes and travel disruption reported on roads and bridges.
Natural Resources Wales issued multiple flood alerts, and emergency services dealt with fallen trees and other weather‑related incidents.
