Tweet
4 February 2011
Last updated at 08:39 ET
High winds forced a road closure after concerns about a university roof, and lead to bridge traffic restrictions as much of Wales is swept by strong gusts.
Winds had caused concern about part of the roof of the new University of Wales, Newport, building, and part of Usk Way southbound was shut for a time.
High-sided vehicles were barred from Britannia Bridge on Anglesey and the first Severn Bridge in south Wales.
Gusts reached 77mph in Gwynedd, and the winds are expected into Saturday.
The university said the Newport campus was kept open after a "full inspection".
A university spokesperson said: "Overnight, some pieces of the thin capping which protects the roof came loose in the wind.
Continue reading the main story “Start Quote
"After a full inspection this morning, it was established that the roof itself is sound and the decision was made that it was safe to keep the campus open with access from the north and south entrances.
"A team of engineers are currently working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
Police said the road closure had caused traffic congestion in Newport city centre.
"This has been put in place for public safety and we thank motorists for their patience and cooperation," police said.
'Extremely concerning'
South Wales East AM William Graham said the damage was "extremely concerning".
"The University of Wales needs to examine the reasons behind today's events and work with the construction company to make sure this cannot happen again," he added.
High winds were experienced across Wales overnight and on Friday morning.
A lane was blocked on the A470 northbound due to a fallen tree between the Abercynon and Abercanaid roundabouts, south of Merthyr Tydfil.
The first Severn Bridge on the M48 has been closed to high-sided vehicles and motorbikes in both directions due to strong winds.
The A55 Britannia Bridge connecting Anglesey and Gwynedd was also closed to high-sided vehicles.
BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said the strong winds were expected to continue into Saturday.
"We've had strong to gale force winds across Wales. In Aberdaron in Gwynedd, there were 77mph gusts, and 74mph at Lake Vyrnwy.
"It's not exceptional but could bring down the odd tree.
"It's going to continue for the rest of Friday and into Saturday. It may ease in the north on Saturday but strong winds will remain in the south."
Powered By WizardRSS
Winds had caused concern about part of the roof of the new University of Wales, Newport, building, and part of Usk Way southbound was shut for a time.
High-sided vehicles were barred from Britannia Bridge on Anglesey and the first Severn Bridge in south Wales.
Gusts reached 77mph in Gwynedd, and the winds are expected into Saturday.
The university said the Newport campus was kept open after a "full inspection".
A university spokesperson said: "Overnight, some pieces of the thin capping which protects the roof came loose in the wind.
Continue reading the main story “Start Quote
We've had strong to gale force winds across Wales. In Aberdaron in Gwynedd, there were 77mph gusts, and 74mph at Lake Vyrnwy”
End Quote
Derek Brockway
BBC Wales meteorologist
"After a full inspection this morning, it was established that the roof itself is sound and the decision was made that it was safe to keep the campus open with access from the north and south entrances.
"A team of engineers are currently working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
Police said the road closure had caused traffic congestion in Newport city centre.
"This has been put in place for public safety and we thank motorists for their patience and cooperation," police said.
'Extremely concerning'
South Wales East AM William Graham said the damage was "extremely concerning".
"The University of Wales needs to examine the reasons behind today's events and work with the construction company to make sure this cannot happen again," he added.
High winds were experienced across Wales overnight and on Friday morning.
A lane was blocked on the A470 northbound due to a fallen tree between the Abercynon and Abercanaid roundabouts, south of Merthyr Tydfil.
The first Severn Bridge on the M48 has been closed to high-sided vehicles and motorbikes in both directions due to strong winds.
The A55 Britannia Bridge connecting Anglesey and Gwynedd was also closed to high-sided vehicles.
BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said the strong winds were expected to continue into Saturday.
"We've had strong to gale force winds across Wales. In Aberdaron in Gwynedd, there were 77mph gusts, and 74mph at Lake Vyrnwy.
"It's not exceptional but could bring down the odd tree.
"It's going to continue for the rest of Friday and into Saturday. It may ease in the north on Saturday but strong winds will remain in the south."
Powered By WizardRSS