Flash flooding hits parts of UK as ‘danger to life’ weather warning issued with 80mph winds to spark Xmas getaway chaos

FLASH flooding has hit parts of the UK as the Met Office issued a “danger to life” warning for 80mph winds that could spark Christmas getaway chaos.

Last night, Wales was hit by “heavy and persistent” rain that led to reports of flash floods in Swansea and Cardiff.

More than 25mm of rain fell on Wednesday evening, with pictures showing water rushing through suburbs of Wales’ two largest cities.

On Thursday morning, Natural Resources Wales issued 26 flood alerts across the country as well as a warning for the River Loughor at Ammandford and Llandybie.

Those in low lying property in Ammanford, Llandybie and Aberlash adjacent to the river Loughor upstream of its confluence with the River Amman were warned by the agency.

Alerts are in place for rivers across Wales, including the Wye, the Usk, parts of the River Ely, as well as others in Neath and Llanelli.

This comes as the Met Office has also issued a “danger to life” warning for parts of Scotland ahead of the weekend.

Wind gusts could reach 80mph, or even higher, across the far west and north of the Scottish islands on Saturday.

Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland, the Orkney Islands, and Argyll and Bute are all at risk of the strong winds, which could cause “significant travel disruption”.

The Met Office said: “Very strong westerly winds are expected to develop through the course of Saturday in association with a deep area of low pressure, with gusts of 65-75mph expected.

“There is a small chance that gusts in excess of 80mph could occur across this region.”

The warning comes into effect at 7am on Saturday morning and last until 9pm.

It added: “There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”

The forecaster said there was also a “small chance” of significant delays or even cancellations to ferry and air services, while some roads and bridges may be closed.

It also warned of a risk of damage to some buildings, for example if tiles are blown off of roofs.

The busier than usual travel period in the run up to Christmas was highlighted as a reason by the Met Office behind the increased chance of impacts from the strong winds.

If you’re living in one of the affected areas, you should prepare to protect your property by securing loose items outside your home, such as bins, sheds, and garden furniture.

If travelling, your best bet to avoid delays is to check road conditions before driving, or bus and train timetables if taking public transport.

POTENTIAL TRAVEL DISRUPTION

Be prepared to amend your travel plans if necessary.

If you’re on the coast, the Met Office said to stay safe by being aware of large waves.

It added: “Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead.

“In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Warnings were also put in place for much of the rest of western and northern Scotland, as well as the north and east coasts of Northern Ireland.

These areas, including Glasgow, Belfast, and Inverness, are expected to see 50-60mph gusts, with the warning in place from 7am until 9pm on Saturday.

The Met Office warned that this has the potential to cause delays across public transport and disruption to the road network.

Some bus and train journeys may take longer than usual, and there are likely to be delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.

It added it may have a “greater than usual impact” as a result of the busy pre-Christmas weekend travel period.

The forecaster also warned of a “small chance of isolated, short term loss of power”.