Flood warnings as downpours and high tides hit Wales

Flood defences have been bolstered over fears a swollen river could cause flooding of homes in North Wales.

It follows hours of torrential rain across the north of the country which has also caused many roads to be blocked.

Natural Resources Wales installed temporary defences at St Asaph to try and protect homes in the Roe Park area from flooding. Heavy rain overnight caused the River Elwy to rise there.

Police also warned of “serious flooding issues” on North Wales roads.

The main A55 dual carriageway across the coast was closed westbound due to flooding near Bangor with motorists unable to take diversions because of heavy flooding which blocked the A470 and A5 at Betws y Coed in Snowdonia.

Traffic Wales have issued these road alerts:

• A5 Conwy - Betws-Y-Coed both ways closed due to flooding between A470 (Waterloo Bridge) and B5106 (Pont y Pair bridge)

• A5 Conwy - Capel Curig both ways closed due to flooding between A4086 (Capel Curig) and B4409 (Bethesda)

• A55 Westbound closed due to flooding at J15 Penmaenmawr Road (Llanfairfechan)

• A55 GwyneddA55 Eastbound closed due to flooding at J12 Roman Road (Tal-Y-Bont)

With the ground already saturated, the Christmas rainfall caused river levels to increase rapidly.

There were five flood warnings in place across Wales for river flooding in St Asaph, the Conwy Valley, Pwllheli, Tenby and the Lower Dee.

High spring tides also brought a warning that huge waves could batter west Wales.

Natural Resources Wales says tidal flood warnings are being issued in in Dale (Pembrokeshire).

People are advised to steer clear of the sea front as it could be dangerous.

Wales and the rest of the UK have seen unusually mild weather over the Christmas period, at Barry Island people were out walking and playing on the beach.