A MOTHER has spoken of her shock after waking up this morning to see her back garden completely flooded.

As Storm Callum continues to wreak havoc across Gwent, Abergavenny and Llanfoist are just some of many areas which have not been sheltered from the impact.

Tanya Nicholls has lived in a cottage behind the River Usk in Merthyr Road, Llanfoist for the past 25 years with her family.

"I knew about the storm from what I had read," said the 49-year-old, who works in Waitrose.

"Despite what I had read, I did not think that the storm would cause the river to burst its banks.

"I had popped into town to do some shopping yesterday. I must have been there for a few hours.

"But by the time I had returned, the river had gone up by at least three feet. I then thought that there could be problems."

The mother woke up at 3am this morning and was shocked when she saw her back garden.

"I am not sure if the rain woke me or if I just woke up," she said.

"I decided to look at the back garden.

"The river had covered the entire garden.

“It has happened before, but no where near as bad as this for about 12 years.

“It has caused damage. Not sure how much until the water recedes."

Miss Nicholls said that the water is currently up to the patio.

“The major concern for us now is if the river rises any more," she said.

"Next door has an outbuilding that he keeps his dogs in. he had to evacuate them at 3am this morning.

"I hope it does not rise any more because if it does it will cause a lot of problems. It has not hit the house so far – luckily."

For lives updates on Storm Callum, visit our blog