Heavy rainfall causes disruption across Wales as Storm Jorge hits

Roads are closed and the rail network is severely impacted as Storm Jorge brings heavy rainfall to south Wales.

The Met Office forecasted a yellow "be aware" rain weather warning, with 11 flood warnings on rivers.

It says parts of Wales could see between 50 to 80mm of rain on Friday as the storm hits the UK.

Flood defences could be seen protecting the back of nearby houses in Cardiff Credit: Stuart Meek

Railway lines across south Wales have already been affected after heavy rainfall caused flooding on the tracks.

Commuters at Cardiff Central were faced with severe disruption after several lines closed on Friday:

Trains to and from Swansea, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd, Rhymney, Ebbw Vale and the Midlands were hit by flooding.

Network Rail advised passengers travelling on Friday to find alternative routes. It said travel in and out of Cardiff is ''unlikely to be an option.''

Natural Resources Wales said there are currently 37 Flood Alerts and 11 Flood Warnings in effect across the country.

Strong winds are forecast for much of Wales and on Saturday, reaching 70mph in coastal areas and up to 60mph inland.

People are buffeted with wind and rain on the harbour wall at Porthcawl. Credit: PA Images

Roath Recreation Ground appeared flooded as heavy rain hit Cardiff.

Y Pant School in the Llantrisant part of the city advised their students "not to walk home" as the river nearby was flowing very fast.

Esyllt Sears posted a video on social media of the rain falling in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Bridgend Council confirmed a number of schools across the region have closed early on Friday due to the flood warnings.

Neath Port Talbot Council released a statement saying it is giving out sandbags to high risk areas.

Vale of Glamorgan Council says a limited number of sandbags are available for residents to collect from Barry, with a limit to 15 bags per household.

Powys County Council has currently closed its flood barrier gates, with the council monitoring the water levels.

South Wales Fire and Rescue attended a number of calls due to flooding incidents in Tonyrefail, Llantrisant, Cardiff, Maesteg, Bridgend, Abertillery and St Nicholas.

Triathlon in Wales announced that the triathlon event at St Fagans Museum on Saturday has been cancelled due to the heavy rain forecast. It says it will work with the museum to find an alternative date.

Credit: Met Office/PA

The RNLI is also urging people to stay safe during the strong winds and heavy rain this weekend, advising people to stay away from sea walls and piers where big waves could hit.

The Met Office's chief meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, says more flooding is possible with rain forecast to fall on already saturated ground.

What to expect from the rain:

  • Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life

  • Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible

  • Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

  • Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads

  • Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

What to expect from the wind:

  • Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely.

  • Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely.

  • It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities affected by spray and/or large waves.

Credit: Natural Resources Wales

Natural Resources Wales is warning people of the risk of significant river and surface water flooding today and over the weekend as Storm Jorge hits Wales.

People are urged to check the weather forecast and local news to see if there is any disruption and to avoid walking or driving through any flood waters.