Flood warnings for coastal areas issued by Environment Agency

The high tide on the Usk at Newport

Coastal regions of Wales are at risk of flooding as high tides and strong winds combine on Tuesday and Wednesday, Environment Agency Wales has warned.

Two flood warnings are in place for the River Wye at Chepstow and Tintern in Monmouthshire.

There are also eight flood alerts along the coastlines of north and south Wales.

Forecasters predict strong westerly winds, which could leave low lying coastal land vulnerable to flooding.

The agency is advising coastal drivers or walkers to take extra care.

A spokesperson said: "People should be particularly careful on exposed areas where there is a risk of being swept away by waves or hit by debris thrown up by waves.

"Environment Agency Wales officers are on the ground checking flood defences and other assets like pumping stations to make sure they are working correctly."

Network Rail reported flooding near Borth in mid Wales was causing disruption to its services.

It said buses were replacing trains between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth, with journey times extended by up to 20 minutes.

This would continue until further notice, it added.

The A477 Cleddau Bridge in Pembrokeshire closed to high-sided vehicles on Tuesday morning because of high winds but it later reopened.

The Met Office is monitoring the situation with Environment Agency Wales.

The flood alerts could be upgraded to flood warnings if conditions deteriorate.

Saturated ground

BBC Wales weather forecaster Behnaz Akhgar said: "The wind is going to be the main feature with some rain which could cause localised flooding.

"Gusts of up to 60mph are possible for west facing regions such as Cardigan Bay and Anglesey.

"The next feature we are keeping an eye on is the area of low pressure which will come in from the south west Wednesday into Thursday.

"There is an early warning for that rain band. It's heavy and it's falling onto already saturated ground."

She added there was a risk of localised flooding for parts of mid and south Wales and advised members of the public to keep an eye on the forecast.

Last week, heavy rain led to flooding and disruption across parts of south and west Wales, with the fire service called to 40 incidents in Cardigan, Ceredigion.

One lane of the M4 westbound near Bridgend was also closed because of the weather.