‘Intense rain and thunder’ expected today

THUNDERSTORMS are set to bring “intense downpours” to almost every part of Wales.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for heavy rain and thundery downpours in places between 12noon and 10pm yesterday. A second warning is in place from 11am until 10pm today.

It means there is a chance of flooding, damage to some buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.

It will affect all of north and south Wales except Bangor and Anglesey.

Across the UK up to 30mm (1.18in) of rain is predicted to fall within an hour, or 40mm (1.57in) in two or three hours.

Other areas covered by the warnings are the East Midlands, north west England, south west England, the West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.

Torrential rain is possible and as much as 20 to 30mm of rain could fall in an hour, or 40mm in two to three hours. Motorists have been told to take care due to standing water on the roads from overnight rain.

South Wales Police have said there were a number of accidents on Saturday night believed to have been related to the bad weather.

Two accidents were reported on the M4 Westbound at J36, while other incidents were reported near J28 and J30.

None of the accidents was believed to be serious.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: “There were a number of weatherrelated accidents last night but none of them were overly serious.

“Motorists are advised to drive according to the conditions.”

Looking ahead, heavy rainfall is due on Wednesday, followed by scattered showers for the rest of the week.