Storm Bram: Severe wind and rain warnings issued for Wales

Severe yellow weather warnings for both wind and rain have been issued for Wales as Storm Bram prepares to hit the UK, with west and north Wales expected to bear the brunt of the conditions.

The wind warning is in place from 22:00 GMT on Monday until 16:00 on Tuesday, with the potential for power cuts across affected areas. The Met Office has warned of gusts up to 40-50 mph for most of the country, but gusts of 60-70 mph are possible along the coast. There is a small chance of gusts in excess of 70 mph over north-west Wales.

Storm Bram has been named by Met Éireann, which is Ireland’s equivalent of the Met Office.

The regions and local authorities affected by the wind warning include Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Pembrokeshire, Powys, and Swansea.

The Met Office has extended its previously-announced weather warning for heavy rain from Monday evening. The yellow warning, in place between 18:00 on Monday and 18:00 on Tuesday, now covers almost all of Wales.

Outbreaks of rain will become “persistent and heavy” throughout Monday night. “Given the saturated nature of the ground, this is likely to lead to some flooding in places and transport disruption,” the Met Office said.

Rainfall will vary, but up to 60-80 mm (2.4-3.1 in) of rain could accumulate on high ground in south Wales.

It is likely there will be some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary,” the Met Office advised.