STORM Callum has left a trail of devastation in its wake with one man dead and scores of homes and businesses flooded and roads closed.

A man died following a landslide on the A484 south of Newcastle Emlyn on the main road to Carmarthen at Cwmduad.

The River Teifi has hit levels not seen in 30 years, with many communities along its banks hit by severe flooding after two days of torrential rain and 60mph winds, which also brought down scores of tress and cut power to many homes.

Emergency services have been stretched to the limit dealing with call-outs.

One Newcastle Emlyn resident said: "I have never seen water like this in all the years I have lived in the area. The town was flooded in a matter of minutes after a downpour - you could see the water arriving down the street.

"The brunt of the flooding was down by the bridge where Teifi Terrace was under water, as well as HUTS and the street of houses on the Lampeter road where a lady had to be helped from her house by a specialist team from Cardigan. The Riverside Cafe was well under water."

Major bridges over the Teifi at Llandysul, Newcastle Emlyn, Cenarth, Llechryd and Llanybydder have all been closed. The bridge at Llechryd was completely submerged under the raging floodwaters.

Llandysul Fire Station is out of operation with floodwater at ground floor window level. The fire and rescue service assets have been relocated and rescue efforts have continued.

The Welsh Water treatment works at Llechryd has flooded, with plans being considered for tanker supply to the area.

Cardigan lifeboat was called out to deal with a boat that broke free from its moorings and had become entangled with other boats.

Numerous roads in the area remain flooded and Dyfed-Powys Police and local councils are still advising people to stay off the roads.

A spokesman for Carmarthenshire County Council said: “We are urging people to stay away from flooded areas – please do not put your safety at risk.

“In areas affected by floods we advise you not to drive unless absolutely essential in order to help us and emergency services to deal with the situation.”

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Though the worst of the rain has passed, river levels in parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire are still exceptionally high and a number of roads and bridges remain closed.

“Officers continue to deal with a landslide on the A484 at Cwmduad, Carmarthenshire, where tragically a man has died. His next of kin has been informed and his family is being supported by specially trained officers. The road is closed and will be for some time.

“Our advice is to only travel if it is essential. If you need to make a journey, check for road closures beforehand. Observe closures and warning signs and never risk driving through flood water.

“More rain is expected but at much lower levels than we’ve seen over the past few days. River levels are expected to drop over the next 18 hours, when more will be known about the full effect of the storm.

“While demand for police services is high, help make the most of their resources and ensure the right calls get through. Consider your options before making contact - in some cases other organisations are better placed to help you.

“If a tree or power/telephone line is down only call police if there is a significant risk to others or there has been a collision and someone is injured - in this case call 999. If there is no danger, report it to your local council.”

A Met Office spokesman said: “The worst of the rain has passed. The weather radar is showing system continuing to track eastwards with colder air following behind resulting in less intense rainfall.

“The river network will continue to respond as rain already fallen works through catchments.”

A spokesman for Natural Resources Wales said: “The situation is improving. There is no further significant rainfall expected in the Teifi catchment. River levels are still very high, they will stay high through Sunday and will continue to recede slowly. Conditions in this area remain dangerous.”