Wales weather: Flood risk over rain and tides

People have been urged to remain alert for possible flooding as high tides, heavy rain and winds combine to increase the risk across most of Wales.

Persistent rain fell throughout Friday on land that remains saturated from last month's downpours.

Two warnings for tidal flooding are in place - both for the Wye estuary at Chepstow and Tintern.

An earlier flood warning for Beaumaris on Anglesey has now been cancelled.

High-tide in the town saw waves crash onto the A545 at Gallows Point, closing it to traffic for several hours.

Police also visited seafront homes to alert residents to be prepared to leave if the waves increased. A rest centre was set up at nearby leisure centre, but the water levels quickly dropped as the tide receded.

The A545 has now reopened.

However, the Environment Agency said people across most of Wales - particularly at the coast - should be aware of the possibility of flooding.

It has issued two warnings of tidal floods, for the Wye estuary which will be reviewed after high tide, which is at 20:15 GMT at Chepstow and 20:35 GMT in Tintern.

The rainfall is likely to ease over Saturday and Sunday but high tides pushed by strong winds could cause a further risk of coastal flooding around Wales, it added.

"People in coastal areas are advised to take extra care walking or driving near the coastline, as there is likely to be large waves and sea spray," the agency said.

"People should also be careful while travelling as driving conditions on Friday could be particularly hazardous."

Environment Agency Wales officers are currently working to check that rivers and streams are clear of blockages and that flood defences along rivers and the coastline are in good working order.

Denbighshire council sent a gritter to the A494 which was briefly closed

BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles said up to 30mm of rain could fall on high ground and there was a chance of snow on hills.

She said there would be icy patches in north with rain heaviest in south west Wales.

Last month hundreds of people were urged to flee their homes in Denbighshire and Conwy after areas flooded.

The river Elwy reached record levels and burst through flood defences leaving much of St Asaph under water.

The Glasdir estate in Ruthin was also badly affected by the water.

Black ice

Earlier on Friday, drivers had to deal with black ice on roads and police reported a number of accidents in north Wales.

A gritter was sent out after the A494 Ruthin to Mold road closed briefly because of the ice early on Friday morning.

In south Wales, police said some parts of Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Ferndale, along with the Bwlch and Rhigos mountain roads, had also been affected with patches of black ice.