Sue Essex; Review of flood defences

The Environment Agency said on Wednesday that although the picture has improved overall concern remained high with heavy showers expected during the day and more heavy rain on Thursday.

Meanwhile rail travellers from south Wales to Paddington were facing further disruption because of a train derailment near Bristol.

Two goods trains collided at Lawrence Hill outside the city. One of the drivers was taken to hospital for treatment.

On Tuesday, the Welsh Environment Minister Sue Essex announced a review of flood defence systems in Wales.

Ms Essex said climate change will make more severe weather inevitable.

"A great deal has been achieved over the years but I am not convinced that we have in place the institutions we need to cope with the greater challenges we now face," she said.

Meanwhile, householders and businesses across Wales continue mopping up after torrential rain caused widespread flooding.

With thousands of properties waterlogged or battered by gale force winds, the cost to insurance companies is likely to be huge.

Some streets became passable only on foot

The control centre for Powys dealt with more than 800 calls on Monday.

The River Severn burst its banks in several places.

Some residents of Bangor on Dee near Wrexham are preparing to spend a second night away from their homes.

Over fifty people from the village stayed at a Leisure Centre on Monday night after emergency services evacuated the area.

Torrential rain caused severe problems in the north east Wales on Monday evening.

Wrexham, Deeside, the Vale of Clwyd, Flint and Mold were particularly affected.

A combination of bad weather and a high tide on the River Dee meant Deeside suffered from widespread localised flooding, affecting 50 houses in all in Pentre and Mancot.

Some roads could be closed until Friday

In Pentre, firefighters rescued four people, including two disabled persons.

Coastal towns were also hit, including Barmouth, Brynsiencyn in Anglesey and Llanddulas - where an elderly woman was rescued by firefighters from her home in Station Road.

One of the major highways in South Wales - the Heads of the Valleys road - will remain closed for the rest of this week after a landslide brought 2,500 tons of slurry down onto the road.

The three carriageways have been completely blocked and motorists are being warned of serious delays as diversions are put in place.