Wales is preparing for a turbulent night as powerful winds and prolonged heavy rain move in, prompting warnings of flooding, hazardous travel and potential power disruption.
What begins as a fairly typical December afternoon is expected to deteriorate rapidly, with conditions worsening from early evening. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain covering much of the country from 6pm today until 6pm on Tuesday, bringing the likelihood of persistent downpours on already saturated ground.
The alert spans Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Forecasters expect 20–40mm of rainfall widely, with 60–80mm possible over higher ground in the south. The most exposed hillsides could see up to 100mm, increasing the threat of localised flooding, rising river levels and travel disruption.
A second yellow warning, this time for wind, comes into force from 10pm tonight for Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Swansea. This warning remains in place until 4pm on Tuesday.
Weather maps indicate gusts of 45–55mph across many areas, with coastal and upland regions likely to see 60–70mph, raising the risk of flying debris, fallen branches and dangerous conditions on exposed routes.
What to expect over the next 24 hours
Monday afternoon will remain largely overcast with occasional showers, but the situation will deteriorate steadily into the evening. By 10pm, heavy rain is expected to sweep across most of Wales, becoming more persistent overnight.
Rainfall intensifies towards midnight and through the early hours, particularly over high ground and in flood-prone valleys. Strong southerly winds will add to the hazards, with conditions remaining severe until at least midday on Tuesday in west Wales and around 4pm in eastern areas.
Even once the main band of rain clears, frequent showers and gusty winds are forecast to linger through Tuesday, especially along the coast and over higher terrain.
Communities in low-lying areas, or those close to rivers and coastal zones, are being warned of possible flooding, with some locations potentially becoming temporarily cut off if routes are blocked or inundated.
Extreme gusts a major concern
The Met Office has emphasised the growing risk from strengthening south to southwesterly winds, which will remain “strong and gusty” well into Tuesday before conditions gradually ease through the afternoon.
Weather maps show gusts approaching 70mph in some coastal districts on Tuesday, with exposed areas in the north-west particularly vulnerable.
The Met Office warns for Wales:
“South to southwesterly winds will strengthen on Monday night and remain strong and gusty into Tuesday morning, before gradually easing through Tuesday afternoon.
“Peak gusts of 40-50 mph are expected fairly widely, but gusts of 60-70 mph will be possible along some exposed coasts and over/to the north of high ground.
“There is a small chance of gusts in excess of 70 mph over northwest Wales.”
Travel and safety advice
Motorists are being urged to expect delays as road surfaces become slippery and visibility worsens. Coastal roads are likely to be affected by spray, while bridges and open routes could prove hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles. Public transport services may also face disruption.
Residents in exposed or coastal communities are advised to prepare for the possibility of power cuts and minor damage caused by falling branches or debris. Securing loose outdoor items before the strongest winds arrive is strongly recommended.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, check for localised updates, avoid unnecessary travel during peak conditions and never attempt to walk or drive through floodwater.
Wales faces a challenging 24 hours, with forecasters warning that conditions may change quickly — and that preparations made now could help minimise risks as the storm passes through.
