Flood warning as weather alert for heavy rain issued

Catriona AitkenBBC Wales
News imageGetty Images Two people walking in opposite directions along a street, each wearing a grey coat and holding umbrellas with their faces obscured. Getty Images
"Persistent and heavy" rain will hit parts of south and mid Wales on Thursday

Flooded homes and travel disruption could be seen again in Wales this week, after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain.

The alert, in place from 09:00 GMT on Thursday until midnight, states "rain will become persistent and heavy through the day" and covers areas of south and mid Wales.

Forecasters predicts widespread rainfall of between 20mm (0.8in) and 40mm (1.6in), with the worst-hit areas seeing up to 70mm (2.8in).

Previously saturated ground means the risk of flooding of homes and businesses has increased, alongside associated travel delays, experts have warned.

It comes less than a week after Storm Goretti, which brought snow and freezing temperatures to Wales.

News imageMet Office A map of south Wales with a large yellow patch covering the area, as well as south-west regions of England. The text: Yellow. Rain is written in yellow and black.Met Office
The Met Office warning covers 13 areas of south and mid Wales, as well as parts of London and south-west England

The Welsh counties covered by the yellow warning are:

  • Blaenau Gwent
  • Bridgend
  • Caerphilly
  • Cardiff
  • Merthyr Tydfil
  • Monmouthshire
  • Neath Port Talbot
  • Newport
  • Powys
  • Rhondda Cynon Taf
  • Swansea
  • Torfaen
  • Vale of Glamorgan

Last week, significant weather warnings were in place across Wales - with snow, wind and rain leading to the closure of hundreds of schools and roads, and many people left without power.

Storm Goretti also brought the rare sighting of thundersnow - heavy downpours of snow accompanied by lightning.


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