Penyffordd Scouts posted online they are concerned about their hut flooding
By Rob Thomas & James McCarthy
BBC Wales News
Heavy rain and flooding have forced many schools in mid and north Wales to close as Storm Babet batters the UK.
Natural Resources Wales has issued five flood warnings and 15 flood alerts, while a yellow weather warning is in place across much of the country.
Bus and train services have been hit with some routes in north Wales and north-west England having to close.
Of the 45 schools that have been closed, 43 are in Flintshire. Many were flooded and one has no electricity.
Two in Powys – Welshpool Church in Wales Primary and Welshpool High School – are also shut.
Because of heavy flooding at Swindon, all train services from London Paddington to south Wales have also been suspended.
Rain has also caused disruption on roads as flooding caused a traffic build-up on five major roads.
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North Wales Fire and Rescue said it had responded to more than 40 calls about flooded properties.
Most of these are in the Flintshire area, in places such as Mold and Prestatyn, as well as Denbigh, St Asaph and Rhyl in Denbighshire.
Mold Pastor Ben Midgley said parts of the town were “quite susceptible to flooding”.
He added: “This is second time since 2020 that we’ve had a significant flood. We’ve had people evacuated from their properties. Some of them are going to be out of their properties probably for weeks.”
He described fire service staff using specialist boat teams to rescue people.
Mr Midgley said: “Obviously, you can imagine how upset and depressed people are being pulled out of their properties sometimes for the second time in a couple of years.
“You know, our hearts go out to them at this time. But there are people helping in that regard and just here just keeping a warm atmosphere.”
Drivers have been navigating flooded roads in Colwyn Bay, Conwy
Trains have also been affected by the weather and include all lines between Chester and Crewe, Wrexham Central and Bidston, and Hooton and both Chester and Ellesmere Port.
Some lines are also blocked between Crewe and Shrewsbury due to flooding.
Arriva buses said Chester and Flintshire services had been suspended until further notice, except for service number 11 which was operating a limited diverted service.
Police warned drivers to be careful after receiving multiple reports of roads affected by flooding.
These include the M4, A55 and multiple other main roads.
Additional reporting by Chris Wood
