The M4 was closed in the early hours of this morning as Wales was battered by overnight storms. The M4 carriageway was shut between junctions 37 and 38 because of flooding.
Natural Resources Wales' flood warnings covered parts of the River Severn, River Vyrnwy and River Teme, while it also issued 38 flood alerts. The M48 Severn Bridge was also closed in both directions due to strong winds, while Newport City Council closed a footpath after part of it collapsed into the River Ebbw.
At 5:46 this morning (Thursday), Gwent Police issued a warning on Twitter, stating that a fallen tree had led to the emergency closure of the B4239, which connects Newport and Cardiff. They stated: "There is an emergency road closure on the B4239 from the junction of Tredegar Park roundabout to Lighthouse Road due to a fallen tree. Please use an alternative route."
Flooding also led to the closure in both directions of the A4058 Gyfeillon Road between Trehafod and Pwllgwaun, just north of the Asda garage. South Wales Roads Policing unit said it was expected that the road, which runs alongside the Rhondda river, would remain closed for some time. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and to use alternative routes.
The Met Office warned that winds of up to 60 mph are expected today and it issued a yellow weather warning for rain until 5pm today (January 12) across much of Wales, South West England, Herefordshire and Shropshire. It said some higher ground areas may get 70-90 mm or more of rain, and that downpours could flood properties and cause power cuts.
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Heavy rain could also cause delays or cancellations on public transport, and spray and flooding could lead to treacherous driving conditions and road closures, the forecaster added.
It warned that “very strong west or southwest winds are expected, producing gusts to 45 mph inland and 60 mph along some coasts and across high ground, with the peak in the winds most likely on Wednesday night”.
The Met Office said some communities may also be “cut off by flooded roads". Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “With all that wet weather coming in, there are concerns, particularly for those areas that have already seen so much rain across Wales and western England.
“The wettest weather is likely to see 60-80 mm falling across the Brecon Beacons and Exmoor.”
The Met Office said further persistent rain will move in on Friday night and into Saturday, with the heaviest rain likely to be further north, including north Wales, northern England and Scotland.
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