Photography by John Ball - 3 March 1998 except where otherwise indicated (with Agfa ePhoto307 digital camera)

Over the last few days, Breconshire has suffered very heavy rainfall. In some areas 25 cm (5 ins) of rain fell in a 24 hour period. Red Alert flood warnings were posted. The pictures below, taken on 3rd March, show the effects of the heavy rainfall on Afon Tawe.

Image 1:

Looking upstream as Afon Tawe rushes under the narrow bridge at the tiny village of Bridgend, near Abercraf. The main valley road is on the left.

Image 2:

The bridge over the Tawe at Bridgend links a few old cottages with the valley road.

Image 3:

The Tawe, in full flow, about to engulf the trees lining its banks.

Image 4:

Further upriver, near Abercraf. The reddish colour of the water is caused by particles of red sandstone washed down from the Brecon Beacons.

Image 5:

Even this horse needs protection from the weather as it grazes in a meadow alongside the Tawe near Abercraf.

Image 6, 7:

The two faces of Afon Tawe. Image 6: In full flow on March 3rd, 1998. Image 7: In a more tranquil mood on 27th November 1997. Both pictures were taken from the same viewpoint from a bridge near Abercraf.