Body found in dog walker search as Bert brings floods

A body has been found in the search for a dog walker who went missing in floodwater as Storm Bert brought nearly a month's worth of rain in less than 48 hours and winds of up to 82mph.

- TARA COBHAM

Hundreds of flood alerts and five weather warnings were still in place across the UK yesterday afternoon, as the second named storm of the season continued to cause disruption, including travel chaos.

Yesterday afternoon, North Wales Police said a body had been found in the area of Gower Road, Trefriw, near the Afon Conwy river, where 75-year-old Brian Perry went missing on Saturday while walking his dog. The body has not been formally identified, but Mr Perry’s family has been informed.

The heavy rainfall and melting snow caused by rising temperatures led to nearly 400 areas in the UK being placed at risk of flooding yesterday, with more than 80 per cent of November’s average monthly rain falling in less than 48 hours in some areas. Yesterday afternoon, the Environment Agency still had in place 98 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and 201 flood alerts, where flooding is possible.

The Met Office issued six weather alerts for rain and wind yesterday, with five remaining in place in the afternoon.

A major incident was declared in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area of south Wales, which has been one of the worst-hit areas. Hundreds of homes, businesses and a number of schools have been affected by flooding in the area, with Rhondda Valley council leader Andrew Morgan warning: “Clearly lives are at risk.”

Rest centres have been set up for residents impacted at Pontypridd Library, Ystrad Sports Centre, Sobell Leisure Centre and Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre. Firefighters have begun