LARGE parts of Rhyl, Prestatyn, Towyn, Kinmel Bay and Abergele could be underwater by the year 2030 according to new data.

Climate Central, an independent organisation of scientists and journalists, pulled together data projections and peer-reviewed science from leading journals to create a map showing which areas of the UK could be under sea level in the next six years and beyond.

It reveals not only that much of coastal North Wales is at risk of being under water, but that also areas heading inland, including Rhuddlan, are at risk.

According to the data Prestatyn and Ffrith are at major risk of being overwhelmed, as is Kinmel Bay.

Towyn - which experienced devastating flooding 34 years ago when extreme gales and a high tide combined to drive around 6,000 people from their homes - is also under serious threat.

In the middle, Rhyl may not only see the beach - where flood defences are currently being improved - disappear but the Marine Lake end of Marsh Road could become an island. Data shows the area could be encircled by water with showing the streets behind all the way up to the railway station and the A525 at risk.

In Abergele, Pentre Mawr Park could become a huge lake.

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Climate Central maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding or contributions from rainfall or rivers.

A spokesman for Climate Central said: “As these maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error, these maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk.

“Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea level rises as well.”