Amber warning as heavy rain threatens south Wales flooding

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for south Wales as heavy rain is expected to cause “disruption and probable flooding” on Monday.

Heavy rain is forecast from late Sunday throughout Monday, with 20-40mm expected across the wider region and up to 100-120mm possible on higher ground. Strong winds will accompany the rain, particularly in coastal areas.

The weather alert comes just two weeks after danger to life flood warnings were issued and homes and businesses in Monmouth and elsewhere were badly hit after rivers burst their banks.

Richard Preece from Natural Resources Wales said: “With some rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued. We also expect the rain to cause surface water issues.”

He urged people to be vigilant and make preparations for potential flooding, adding: “We also want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath.”

The Met Office has warned that delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible, driving conditions could be difficult and there may be some road closures. Power cuts and loss of other services are also possible.

“Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life,” the Met Office added.

A yellow warning of rain is also in place for mid and north Wales on Monday.

The amber warning affects: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan.