Homes and businesses 'likely to be flooded as Amber rain warning issued

Storm Bram will lead to strong winds and heavy rain on Monday and throughout Tuesday, forecasters have warned, with an Amber weather warning issued in South Wales.

Named by Met Eireann, which is Ireland's equivalent of the Met Office, Storm Bram will move north and to the west of the UK on Monday, bringing heavy rain and winds to parts of the UK.

Here in south Wales, the Met Office has issued its second-highest level of warning for an area centred around Merthyr Tydfil and extending to areas north of Swansea and Cardiff.

Storm Bram is expected to cause flooding and travel disruption in places on Tuesday morning, with flooding to homes and businesses described as 'likely'

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is asking people to be vigilant and prepared as Storm Bram is expected to lead to flooding and disruption across Wales.  

Flood alerts and warnings will be issued as rivers reach trigger levels. 

Charlotte Morgan, Natural Resources Wales' Duty Tactical Manager, said:

“We are asking people to be alert for potential flooding with heavy rain predicted through today (Monday) and overnight, especially in parts of South Wales.

“We are expecting to see very large waves and are advising people to stay clear of promenades and seafronts as you could be swept away by large waves or hit by debris.

“Our thoughts are with those communities who have recently been impacted, and they could potentially be impacted again during this event. 

While 50-75 mm of rain is expected across much of the warning area, a few exposed locations may see around 100 mm.

Other areas of Wales are covered by a Yellow weather warning for rain

Met Office chief forecaster Dan Suri said: "Storm Bram will bring a very wet and windy spell of weather, with very strong winds and further heavy rain which falling over saturated ground, could cause flooding impacts.

"Within the amber wind warning over north-west Scotland, gusts of up to 90mph could be recorded.

"More widely, gusts of 50-60 mph, and perhaps 70mph in a few spots, are expected across Wales, south-west England and Northern Ireland.

"Rain is an additional impact from Storm Bram, with the possibility of 100mm over higher ground in the south of Wales and parts of Devon.

"This could require escalations to existing warnings, so it's important to stay up to date with the forecast in your area, as well as any flood warnings from your local environment agency."

RAC breakdown spokesperson, Alice Simpson, said: "Strong winds can make vehicles harder to control, so it's best that drivers slow down and keep a firm grip on the wheel.

"Rural and coastal routes will feel the worst of the gusts, with fallen branches or even trees likely to cause disruption.

"We recommend drivers check local forecasts and consider delaying non-essential trips until the storm passes."

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