Flood risk with new rain warning

The Conwy Valley in north Wales has been badly hit by flooding

There are more warnings of possible flooding affecting parts of Wales with more heavy rainfall expected overnight on Thursday.

The Met Office has issued a flash warning of heavy rainfall across the whole of south Wales.

Up to 15 mm of rain in three hours is due in some areas, with 30 to 50mm likely for some upland parts.

There are seven flood warnings and 18 flood watches in place in Wales on Thursday evening.

In north Wales, the Environment Agency said problems persisted after heavy earlier rainfall and it warned that localised flooding could occur.

Of most concern are the rivers Conwy and Dee, according to the agency.

The AA has been "flat out" rescuing stricken cars

It said if river levels continue to rise, the agency could issue severe flood warnings for certain areas in north Wales.

Agency staff are on 24-hour alert continuously monitoring river levels and officers on the ground are on stand-by to check flood defences, clear river blockages and install flood barriers where necessary.

Earlier on Thursday a number of roads were closed in parts of mid and north Wales and train services were also disrupted following heavy rain overnight.

Manweb said electricity cuts affected around 2,000 properties due to high winds.

Supply was restored to all properties within a couple of hours.

Highest for 25 years

Schools were also affected with Ysgol Pennal in Machynlleth closed.

Train services were suspended between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Newtown and Machynlleth due to flooding.

The Met Office said flood defences on the River Conwy in north Wales had protected almost 100 properties in the villages of Llanrwst and Trefriw overnight, where river levels were the highest recorded for 25 years.

Earlier, the AA said it had been working "flat out" rescuing stricken cars in north Wales.

The rain was accompanied by gale-force winds in places, with gusts in excess of 60mph, and even up to 86mph at Capel Curig in Snowdonia, and 71mph at Aberdaron on the tip of the Llyn Peninsula.