Weather and Travel

One lane is closed on the M48 Severn Bridge, eastbound between J2 (A466, Chepstow) and J1 (A403 / B4461).

Rain cleared early this morning, but the cloud remained, and the wind across the hills has seen drizzle already today. That drizzle will turn increasingly to moderate rain through this afternoon. It will also be a rather windy day with strong gusty winds around the coast.

Whilst it's mild it won't feel like it thanks to the wind and rain.

Tonight the heavy rain arrives from the west, yellow warnings from the Met Office come in to force for many parts of Wales. We could see 2-3 inches of rain on western hills and mountains. There will be rather strong winds too.

The rain will be slow to clear tomorrow morning and it will continue to be heavy in places and thanks to saturated ground there may well be widespread issues with localised flooding and returning pressure on river systems. The rain moves away in the afternoon only to be replaced by heavy showers.

In between the showers are some brighter spells but they could be short lived. Temperatures will peak near lunchtime and then begin to fall during the afternoon as cooler air arrives. The winds will continue to be strong and blustery.

There is more rain to come - more details later.

Arriva Trains Wales have announced disruption between Cardiff Central and Bridgend, and between Bridgend and Maesteg due to flooding between Cardiff Central and Pontyclun.

Buses replace trains from Cardiff to Bridgend in that direction only. Buses are also replacing trains between Bridgend and Maesteg. Trains are able to run eastbound towards Cardiff.

The A40 Northbound is blocked, and traffic is now queueing due to accident between A466 Dixton Road and the turning for Ganarew.

One lane is closed due to a broken down lorry on the M4 Eastbound between J40 A4107 (Port Talbot / Taibach) and J39 A48 (Margam On Slip).

Police are in attendance.

Last night we saw rain across Wales, what's left will be around this morning. So Friday starts dreary and wet but the rain will eventually move eastwards. A windy but mild day with highs of 12C. There could be gales in the Irish Sea.

There will be more rain pushing through on Friday night into Saturday leaving more sunny but showery weather to begin the weekend. Then more rain on Sunday night into Monday. It will be rather breezy but on the mild side too.

After a dry day today there's more rain on the way. Through the evening rain will push in from the west and makes it way across the country through the night. There will be some heavy bursts there bringing a continued threat of local flooding.

After a chilly start to the night temperatures will rise, as will the wind speeds.

Tomorrow starts dreary and wet but the rain will eventually move eastwards. A windy but mild day with highs of 12C. There could be gales in the Irish Sea.

There will be more rain pushing through on Friday night into Saturday leaving more sunny but showery weather to begin the weekend. Then more rain on Sunday night into Monday. It will be rather breezy but on the mild side too.

With yet more heavy rain forecast this weekend, people driving home after Christmas are advised to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra time.

There is currently one flood warning in place for the River Ritec at Tenby and seven flood alerts in place across Wales.

Parts of Wales are at risk of localised flooding as forecasts indicate yet more bad weather is in store.

Bands of heavy rain are expected to affect south-west, mid and north-west areas of Wales over the weekend.

Experts say the incessant wet weather over the Christmas period, combined with last month’s heavy rainfall, means the ground remains saturated and at risk of flooding.

Environment Agency Wales advises there is currently one flood warning in place for the River Ritec at Tenby and seven flood alerts in place across Wales. They say it is likely that more flood alerts and warnings will be issued across the country.

It's been a turbulent few days with a lot of unwanted rain, the bad news is that there's more of the wet stuff heading our way over the next few days.

This afternoon will see a mix of a few bright spells, plenty of cloud and the odd shower. It's quite a breezy day with highs of 8-9C.

Through the evening rain will push in from the west and makes it way across the country through the night. There will be some heavy bursts there bringing a continued threat of local flooding. After a chilly start to the night temperatures will rise, as will the wind speeds.

Tomorrow starts dreary and wet but the rain will eventually move eastwards. A windy but mild day with highs of 12C. There could be gales in the Irish Sea.