A severe amber weather warning has been activated for large parts of South Wales, with forecasters predicting a potentially deadly deluge. A full month's worth of rain is expected to fall in just 24 hours, significantly raising the risk of fast-flowing floodwater and landslides.
Critical Warnings and Immediate Dangers
The Met Office's 'be prepared' alert is active until 11.59pm on Monday night. It explicitly warns that fast-flowing or deep floodwater could cause a danger to life. The situation is exacerbated by already saturated ground from a wet November, which saw Wales receive 240mm of rain against an average of 162mm.
A spokesperson for the British Geological Survey indicated that up to 120mm of rain could accumulate on high ground, a volume sufficient to trigger landslides. Senior Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna described the incoming system as a 'significant event for many'.
Widespread Disruption Across England and Wales
Beyond the amber alert zone, a broader yellow rain warning covers the rest of Wales, plus south-west and north-west England, lasting into Tuesday. Natural Resources Wales has issued 38 separate flood alerts, urging high vigilance.
Duty tactical manager Richard Preece issued stark advice to the public: 'We're urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now.' He strongly warned against approaching swollen riverbanks or attempting to drive or walk through floodwaters, stating 'you don't know what lies beneath'.
Looking Beyond the Deluge
Petagna noted that Scotland and Northern Ireland would be less affected, with the focus firmly on Wales and parts of England. He added that the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday appears brighter, with less intense showers expected. The Met Office has chosen not to issue warnings beyond Monday to avoid distracting from the immediate severe threat.
This major weather event underscores the increasing volatility of UK weather patterns and the critical importance of heeding official safety warnings during extreme rainfall episodes.
