Key Takeaways
- Wales is expected to experience heavy rain and potential flooding, with over 100mm of rain possible in some areas
- Four weather warnings have been issued, including an amber "possible risk to life" warning
- Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging people in south Wales to prepare for potential significant flooding overnight
- Eight flood warnings and 41 flood alerts are currently in place
- Travel disruption and flooding of businesses and homes is expected, particularly in south and west Wales
Introduction to the Weather Warnings
Wales is bracing itself for heavy rain and potential flooding, with the Met Office issuing four weather warnings for Sunday and Monday. The warnings, which include an amber "possible risk to life" warning, cover various parts of the country, including north, mid, and south Wales. The Met Office has warned that over 100mm (4in) of rain could fall on high ground in some areas, leading to travel disruption and flooding. This is particularly concerning given the recent flooding from Storm Bram and the "devastating" flooding in Monmouth from Storm Claudia.
The Meteorological Situation
The Met Office has stated that the likelihood of impacts from the heavy rain is higher due to the recent wet weather and saturated ground. A spokesperson for the Met Office explained that over the next 24 to 36 hours, parts of the UK, particularly the west, will see a significant amount of rain. In south and west Wales, another 100mm (4in) of rain is expected to fall in the next 24 hours or so, which will be falling on already saturated ground. The Met Office has warned that this could lead to significant travel disruption and possible flooding of businesses and homes over the next day or two.
Flood Risk and Warnings
The amber warning for rain is in place covering much of south Wales from Pembrokeshire to Newport until 21:00 on Monday. A yellow warning for rain covers a large area of Wales, including Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, and Vale of Glamorgan throughout Monday. Two separate yellow warnings for rain are also in place, one for Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, and Powys from 18:00 on Sunday until 15:00 on Monday, and another for Flintshire and Wrexham from 18:00 on Sunday until midnight on Monday.
Preparations and Responses
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging people in south Wales to prepare for potential significant flooding overnight. The organization’s duty tactical manager, Sally Davies, has stated that their real concern is how the situation could escalate rapidly in the early hours of the morning. NRW is working alongside the Flood Forecasting Centre, emergency responders, and local authority partners to prepare for the weather and monitor forecasts and rainfall predictions. People in affected areas are being advised to be vigilant and make preparations for potential flooding, including preparing a flood kit with important documents and medication, moving cars to higher ground, and moving treasured possessions upstairs or to a higher place.
Current Situation and Disruptions
The heavy rain has already caused disruptions, with flooding causing train services between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog to be cancelled on Monday morning. The disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day. Police have also urged drivers to avoid the A487 in Nasareth, Gwynedd, due to heavy flooding. With eight flood warnings and 41 flood alerts currently in place, the situation is being closely monitored, and people are being advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The Met Office and NRW will continue to provide updates and warnings as the situation develops.
