A hiker, dressed in shorts, was saved from one of Wales’s most dangerous mountains during Storm Amy. Despite the severe weather conditions, the walker mentioned to the rescuers that the weather didn’t seem too bad.
The hiker, who remains unnamed, was climbing Tryfan in Eryri, a mountain known for its treacherous nature, when he requested assistance. Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation deemed the incident on Tryfan during Storm Amy as preventable and advised hikers to check weather forecasts before embarking on their journeys. Wind speeds exceeded 80mph during the storm.
In a statement released on Saturday, OVMRO revealed that shortly after Storm Amy struck, the team was alerted to a lone hiker stranded below the summit of Tryfan.
“With winds reaching 86 mph in Capel Curig, a rescue team navigated challenging terrain on the east side of the mountain to reach the hiker’s location. Progress was slow due to the adverse weather conditions,” the statement mentioned.
Upon reaching the hiker, it was discovered that he had ventured out in shorts because he underestimated the weather conditions. He was provided with warm clothing before a technical rope rescue system was utilized to lower him to safety and guide him off the mountain.
“This incident was another unnecessary callout that could have been avoided with some basic common sense. The storm had been forecasted for several days with official weather warnings in place. Additionally, heavy rainfall led to challenging route selections as mountain streams swelled, causing flooding,” the report from North Wales Live stated.
“Prior to starting your journey, it is crucial to check weather forecasts on apps like @the_mwis and BBC Weather. Be ready to alter or cancel your plans for a safer day. Remember, the mountains will always be there.”
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