Amber Weather Warning Issued for Wales as Heavy Rain and Flood Risks Loom
Met Office alerts for potential life-threatening flooding and severe travel disruptions across south and mid-Wales
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for heavy rain and potential flooding across south and mid-Wales, indicating a risk of 'danger to life.' This warning is in effect from 3 PM on Sunday to 6 AM on Monday, covering areas from Newport to Carmarthen and northward to Brecon.
The forecaster warned that the heavy rainfall is expected to cause significant flooding and travel disruption, with forecasts suggesting fast-flowing or deep floodwater that poses a heightened danger to individuals.
There is also the likelihood of delays and cancellations affecting train and bus services.
Communities may experience isolation due to flooded roads, and homes and businesses are anticipated to face flooding risks that could result in structural damage.
The Environment Agency has advised against driving through floodwater, highlighting that as little as 30 centimeters of flowing water can move a vehicle.
Residents are encouraged to register for free flood warnings from the agency.
Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, emphasized the critical nature of the ensuing hours, as emergency services distribute thousands of sandbags to areas identified as high-risk.
This comes in the wake of prior flooding incidents in November caused by Storm Bert, which affected hundreds of homes and businesses.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell indicated that the northern region of the amber warning area is likely to experience the most intense rainfall, with expectations of between 50mm to 70mm of rain across elevated areas.
Some localized spots could record rainfall amounts up to 80mm or even 100mm.
As the weather system progresses eastwards across the UK, Monday is forecasted to bring a transition to milder conditions characterized by sunshine and scattered showers.
Meanwhile, Sarah Cook, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, cautioned that the persistent nature of the rainfall significantly increases the risk of inland flooding in parts of southern and mid-Wales.
In addition to the amber warning for Wales, yellow weather warnings for rain were issued for the south-west of England and much of Wales, effective from midday on Sunday until 8 AM on Monday, with additional warnings for Cumbria from 10 AM through 7 PM. The Met Office anticipates a continuation of westerly weather patterns into the coming week, featuring occasional showers, prolonged rain, and windy conditions.
The forecaster warned that the heavy rainfall is expected to cause significant flooding and travel disruption, with forecasts suggesting fast-flowing or deep floodwater that poses a heightened danger to individuals.
There is also the likelihood of delays and cancellations affecting train and bus services.
Communities may experience isolation due to flooded roads, and homes and businesses are anticipated to face flooding risks that could result in structural damage.
The Environment Agency has advised against driving through floodwater, highlighting that as little as 30 centimeters of flowing water can move a vehicle.
Residents are encouraged to register for free flood warnings from the agency.
Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, emphasized the critical nature of the ensuing hours, as emergency services distribute thousands of sandbags to areas identified as high-risk.
This comes in the wake of prior flooding incidents in November caused by Storm Bert, which affected hundreds of homes and businesses.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell indicated that the northern region of the amber warning area is likely to experience the most intense rainfall, with expectations of between 50mm to 70mm of rain across elevated areas.
Some localized spots could record rainfall amounts up to 80mm or even 100mm.
As the weather system progresses eastwards across the UK, Monday is forecasted to bring a transition to milder conditions characterized by sunshine and scattered showers.
Meanwhile, Sarah Cook, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, cautioned that the persistent nature of the rainfall significantly increases the risk of inland flooding in parts of southern and mid-Wales.
In addition to the amber warning for Wales, yellow weather warnings for rain were issued for the south-west of England and much of Wales, effective from midday on Sunday until 8 AM on Monday, with additional warnings for Cumbria from 10 AM through 7 PM. The Met Office anticipates a continuation of westerly weather patterns into the coming week, featuring occasional showers, prolonged rain, and windy conditions.
