June storms blow summer away

Motorists were held up by floods in Newport, south Wales

Driving rain and high winds which turned summer into winter across parts of Wales are expected to die away.

The unseasonal late-June storms ripped roofs off buildings, uprooted trees, flooded roads and led to ferries being cancelled.

Worst affected on Wednesday were areas in and around Swansea, where Kelly Maguire, aged 12, was injured by roof tiles torn from a youth centre.

Summer will return on Friday, with no rain and higher temperatures.

Kelly was injured on Tuesday night in Blaenymaes. Neighbours said she tried to run away from flying debris but could not because of the force of the wind.

She underwent leg surgery at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, and will undergo a further operation. The hospital said she was in a comfortable condition.

High winds tore the roof of a youth centre in Swansea

Windows were also smashed in Swansea, trees pulled up and walls blown down. Part of the roof of the city's Mothercare World also came off.

Wind speeds reached 61mph on Mumbles, and Irish Ferries cancelled its Swift services on Wednesday between Holyhead and Dublin.

In Newport, south Wales, a road was closed after a car became stuck in flood water, and the original Severn Bridge was closed.

Forecasters said the storms were caused by an area of low pressure.

The weather is expected to improve through Thursday, with winds easing off, and a mixture of sunshine and showers.

Summer is due to reappear on Friday, when it will be dry and temperatures rising to between 19 - 22C.