THE A470 near Builth Wells remains closed this morning following a mini tornado that struck Powys yesterday.

Powys County Council put out an alert around 5pm on Wednesday (November 23) stating that trees had been brought down by a mini tornado, which had blocked and closed the main road near Erwood.

The local authority said the road is expected to remain closed until at least Thursday afternoon. “The A470 is currently closed between Builth Wells and Erwood, after a mini tornado brought down several trees,” said a post on the Powys County Council Facebook page.

“The road is not expected to reopen before tomorrow afternoon.”

Flooding is also affecting the area, with the road running parallel to the River Wye, with Traffic Wales confirming this morning that the A470 remains shut due to flooding.

Traffic Wales said: “Road Closed. The A470 between Builth Wells and Erwood remains closed due to flooding in the area. Local diversions in place.”

Council employees were on site in Builth last night and road closure signs were put in place, and remain there, at the junction with the Wyeside Arts Centre, where the road heads towards Brecon, informing motorists that the road ahead is closed.

Matthew Keeble-Payne, who lives near Erwood and took this photo, said on Wednesday: “Tornado between Builth and Llyswen this afternoon. A470 blocked.

“Eyewitness said water from the river was sucked into the funnel and rose higher than the trees. Lots of big tree damage.”

One local farmer described how some tin roofs attached to sheds or outbuildings had been torn off and “blown down the valley” by Tregaer, just north of Erwood.

Simon Culling, who collects data for TORRO (the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation), confirmed the organisation is investigating the incident.

TORRO keeps records of tornadoes, large hail and severe storms across the UK Ireland. Their experts issue forecasts when there is a risk of severe storms.

The tornado comes hours after Powys residents were warned to brace themselves for disruption amid a Met Office weather forecast for the nation as areas across Wales are expected to be hit.

The national weather service warned of spells of heavy rain and strong winds on Thursday, which could result in power cuts.

The rain is also likely to cause flooding of homes and businesses and is expected to impact bus and train services across Wales as well as car journey times.

The yellow weather warning is set to last from 10am to 7pm on Thursday.