Travel disruption fears as weather warning issued in South Wales

Heavy rain to coincide with further rail strikes

Author: Press AssociationPublished 25th Nov 2022
Last updated 25th Nov 2022

People in South Wales could face travel chaos on Saturday as heavy rain causes disruption on the roads amid a strike by train drivers.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with downpours causing flooding on roads and making journey times longer.

Flooding of homes and businesses is also possible.

The warning comes as train drivers in 11 companies, belonging to the Aslef union, will strike in a long-running dispute over pay.

Rain, at times heavy, is set to hit parts of south Wales and south-west England between 2pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday.

Cardiff, Swansea and Carmarthen are among areas that could be affected.

"Heavy rain may lead to some flooding and disruption to travel"

The Met Office said: "Rain is expected to develop across south Wales and south-west England during Saturday afternoon, moving slowly east to clear most areas early on Sunday morning.

"Although the most persistent rain is expected over hills, periods of heavy rain are expected almost anywhere. 15-25 mm is expected quite widely, with some places seeing 40-60 mm of rain, particularly over hills in south Wales and south-west England.

"Strong winds will accompany the rain, with gusts of 45-55 mph over hills and around coasts."

The Met Office has warned that "heavy rain may lead to some flooding and disruption to travel" during this period.

It added: "Rain will turn persistent and heavy at times across the warning area through Saturday afternoon and evening.

"Accumulations of 20 to 30 mm are expected with 45 mm possible on high ground.

"Given existing saturated ground there is a risk of some localised flooding."

Beyond that, the Met Office weather outlook for Sunday to Tuesday states: "Rain across England and Wales will slowly clear Sunday, with blustery showers following to the north.

"Showers in the north die out Monday, with many areas dry Tuesday.

Passengers have been urged to plan ahead and check before they travel throughout the whole weekend due to the planned strike.

Trains that are running will start later on Saturday morning and finish much earlier than usual, with services typically running between 7.30am and 6.30pm on the day of the strike.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.