Warning: Amber

To expect: Rain

Affected area: Wales

Start time estimate: Monday midnight

End time estimate: Monday 11pm

The Met Office has issued an updated Amber rain warning for Wales for Monday.

Significant rainfall is forecast for Wales, expected to start at approximately midnight on Monday and persisting until 11pm.

The updated Amber alert for rain was issued at 12:26pm on Saturday, November 29.

A Met Office forecast said: “An area of heavy rain is expected to move over south Wales between late Sunday and late Monday. Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, some heavy and persistent rainfall is likely to fall, especially over high ground, for example Bannau Brycheiniog. Rain should clear to the east Monday night. 20-40 mm of rain is likely to fall quite widely across the wider region, but 60-80 mm is likely to accumulate over some windward-facing high ground in south Wales and perhaps nearer 100-120 mm in a few places. Strong south to southwesterly winds will accompany the heavy rain, particularly in coastal areas.”

What to expect

Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible; Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses; Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads; Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, which could cause a danger to life.

What should you do during persistent rain?

Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously. It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help. Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch & spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and, warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water. Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

What is an updated amber weather warning?

The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.

A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.

An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.

A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.

The Amber weather alert for rain will remain in effect until 11pm on Monday.