Monday 26 November 2012

Flood risk as more rain moves in - BBC News

The Met Office is warning of further flooding in Wales with heavy rain expected in areas already mopping up after earlier downpours.

Up to 30mm of rain fell in Wales on Saturday - two days after many places, particularly in north Wales, were left under water.

After a brief lull in the rain on Sunday morning, more is forecast for the afternoon and into Monday.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for north Wales.

It is in place for the Lower Dee river, which stretches from Wrexham to Chester and Connah's Quay.

"Start Quote

Where the south of Wales bore the brunt of yesterday's rain, the heaviest tonight and tomorrow is likely to be across north Wales"

End Quote Sue Charles BBC Wales weather presenter

The agency has also issued 20 flood alerts for Wales.

On Saturday, it said heavy rain in south and west Wales could make road conditions hazardous and warned that river levels could rise.

But emergency services said there had not been many reports of problems overnight, with a few houses and roads in south Wales affected by flooding.

However a forecast of more persistent wet weather for Sunday afternoon and Monday has led to warnings of more disruption for areas already affected by flooding.

The Met Office said rainfall could amount to around 50mm in total across north Wales.

BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles said: "There are still Met Office warnings in place for further heavy rain at times today and tomorrow.

"But where the south of Wales bore the brunt of yesterday's rain, the heaviest tonight and tomorrow is likely to be across north Wales, with totals of 50mm possible by Monday afternoon.

"Obviously, not welcome news, as it falls on already saturated ground and into swollen rivers."

Clean-up continuing

On Thursday high winds and heavy rain left homes and businesses flooded, particularly in north west Wales.

Motorists were also badly affected and traffic was brought to a standstill as the A55 near Bangor closed.

The clean-up is continuing and Gwynedd council has put its gritting team on standby.

"Due to the possibility of further extreme weather over the weekend which may involved standing water on roads turning to ice, we have put our gritting teams on standby," said Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd council's environment cabinet member.

"We would urge motorists to check the weather reports before embarking on any journeys, especially at night, and to proceed with care," he added.

Members of the public who experience difficulties as a result of the weather can ring the council's contact centre, Galw Gwynedd, on 01766 771000.

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