Wales weather: Heavy rain sparks flood warnings

Roads have flooded in Llanrwst in Conwy

Twenty-one flood warnings are in place, roads are closed and a number of people have been rescued as rain continues to lash Wales.

Natural Resources Wales said rivers across the country had been affected, with up to 80mm (3in) expected to fall over the next 48 hours.

Areas worst hit by flooding include Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Conwy and Powys, and about 200 homes are without power.

River levels in some areas have reached almost record highs.

The River Vyrnwy at Meifod has risen to 12.3ft (3.75m), just 1.6in (4cm) below the 12.4ft (3.79m) recorded in February 2011.

Firefighters across the country have made a number of rescues, including:

• One person from a house in Aberdovey, Gwynedd, which is under 1ft (12in) foot of water

• Drivers and passengers stranded in their vehicles in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan

Crews are also delivering sandbags to Penrhiwfer Road, Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taff, after homes flooded.

Many rivers have burst their banks, and the worst affected include the Severn at Dolwen; rivers Vyrnwy, Mawddach and Wnion. The A458 from Llanfair Caereinion to Llanerfyl, in Powys, was closed because the River Banwy has burst its banks.

Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service has said it has been called out to 50 different incidents, all weather-related.

Pentyrch Primary School, Cardiff, has been closed due to "extensive water damage".

Arriva Trains Wales has cancelled some services.

Meanwhile, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported two terraced homes in St Julians, Newport, had sections of their roofs blown off in high winds.

Much of the country was battered by gusts of up to 70mph at the weekend.

The Met Office has issued a yellow "be aware" warning for rain.

Fields have flooded in Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd