The North West experienced catastrophic flooding when a combination of storms and high tides forced a breach of the sea wall at Towyn in 1990, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes along the coast.

And in 1993 Llandudno and neighbouring Llandudno Junction were swamped by more than five feet of water.

Llanrwst and other parts of the Conwy Valley are also prone to regular flooding and throughout North Wales the authorities have been taking steps to improve flood and sea defences.