Warning: Amber
To expect: Rain
Affected area: Wales
Start time estimate: Monday midnight
End time estimate: Monday 9pm
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 9pm.
The updated Amber alert for rain was issued at 10:24am on Monday, December 1.
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 will fall extensively across the wider region, but 60-80 mm is expected to accumulate over some south- and southwest-facing high ground in south Wales, with a few places perhaps seeing nearer 100-120 mm. In addition to the potential for flooding impacts, this increases the chance of landslides on both natural and infrastructure slopes. Strong south to southwesterly winds will also accompany the heavy rain, with gales possible around coasts and over high ground.”
What to expect
Extensive flooding of homes and businesses is possible; Roads may potentially close, along with bus and train service delays and cancellations; Dangerous driving conditions might occur, because of spray and flooded roads; Loss of power and other essential services, such as gas, water or mobile phone services, is possible; Damage to buildings and structures or building collapse might happen; Communities could be completely cut off by floodwater, perhaps for several days; Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.
What should you do during persistent rain?
Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions. You may need to amend or even cancel journeys if driving conditions are dangerous. Keep up to date with bus and train timetables for delays or cancellations. 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. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. 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 9pm on Monday.