Flooding closes railway and roads

Heavy rain has led to flooding across Wales

Commuters and drivers have been among those affected as floods bring disruption across Wales.

Up to two tonnes of rock fell on the railway line near Chepstow, leading to the closure of the line between Newport and Gloucester.

Roads have also been blocked across parts of south and west Wales.

Police and fire crews have been called out in many areas, including Pembrokeshire, where Tenby has been particularly affected.

A Network Rail spokesman said the rockslide, which involved large boulders, happened about a quarter of a mile away from Chepstow station on the Newport side.

The line runs next to an old quarry where the rocks have been loosened by the heavy rain.

Replacement buses

After the site initially being considered too dangerous to assess, engineers are now on site. The line is closed until further notice and a reduced service is not expected to be running before 1200 BST on Friday.

Arriva Trains Wales has organised replacement buses between Newport and Gloucester and advised passengers to allow more time for their journeys.

Those travelling to and from Caldicot are advised to use the Severn Tunnel Junction as an alternative.

Environment Agency Wales and the Met Office have urged people to be aware of possible flooding as more heavy rain is forecast over the next few days.

People should also stay away from rivers

Jeremy Parr, Environment Agency Wales

There is expected to be a respite from the wet weather on Sunday before more heavy rain moves in on Monday.

The heaviest rainfall is forecast to hit south Wales and the valleys.

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

Environment Agency Wales flood risk manager Jeremy Parr said: "We are expecting to see a lot of rain over the next five days, particularly on Friday.

"With the ground already waterlogged, these bands of rain could raise river levels and cause problems.

"We urge people in areas prone to flooding to be on their guard.

Fast flowing

"People should also stay away from rivers.

"They could be very high, fast flowing and dangerous. They should avoid trying to drive or walk through any flooding as you could end up in difficulties."

In Newport, Bassaleg Road has been closed due to flooding in the Gaer Park Lane area, near the cemetery.

In Carmarthenshire the A40 near Bancyfelin is just passable in both directions after flooding between the B4298 at Meidrim and the B4299 at St Clears.

The A484 is also partially blocked, affecting an area near the garage in Cynwyl Elfed. Motorists are urged to approach the area with care.

The Laugharne to Pendine road was also flooded.

In Pembrokeshire, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to flooding on the road by the army camp in Penally, while the A4139 in Lydstep has been closed between the B4584 at Manorbier and School Lane in Penally.

Properties in Norton, Tenby, were also affected. A fire spokesman said the service was receiving calls across Pembrokeshire.