Flood risk for Wales as more rain forecast

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24658821

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Heavy rain could lead to localised flooding in parts of Wales over the coming days, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is warning.

It follows a yellow 'be aware' alert on Friday morning for rain across much of south and south west Wales which was issued by the Met Office.

NRW said the forecast for the whole of Wales remained unsettled for Sunday and Monday.

Last weekend, downpours led to flash flooding in parts of Cardiff.

"With ground remaining saturated from rainfall during the week, water may quickly find its way into streams, ditches and rivers with the potential for localised flooding," said a NRW spokesperson.

"With leaves littering pavements and roads, there is also a risk that blocked drains will cause flooding of road surfaces, causing traffic disruption.

"Officers will be monitoring river levels closely over the weekend, checking they are clear of blockages and making sure that flood defences are operating efficiently."

The Met Office yellow warning for rain came into force just after midnight, and remains in place until 10:00 BST on Friday morning.

Flash flooding

It covers Cardiff, Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Forecasters say nearly an inch of rain (20mm) could fall as a band of heavy cloud moves north-east across southern Wales, with over an inch of rain (30mm) on higher ground.

On Saturday, flash flooding in parts of Cardiff saw police close roads around Ely and Culverhouse Cross.

Shoppers at the Marks and Spencer store in Culverhouse Cross had to be evacuated when water entered the shop, but some remained stranded in the car park for up to two hours.

The nearby Tesco store also had to be evacuated due to flooding.

NRW urged members of the public to "keep an eye" on weather forecasts over the weekend, and check flood alerts, which are updated every 15 minutes on its website.

Updates are also available on the NRW Floodline on 0845 988 1188 and through NRW's Twitter account, @natreswales.