Heavy rain sparks flash floods in Wales

Firefighters dealt with flash floods today after heavy rain fell on parts of Wales.

Forecasters warned of further downpours tomorrow as more wet weather was on the way.

Crews were called out in South Wales after heavy rain during the morning.

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "We have had several incidents of flooding this morning in and around the Swansea and Neath areas.

"We have had about 30 flood-related calls that were affecting properties, gardens and roadways.

"There was flash flooding for about an hour and a half. That was about 10.30 this morning, but they have subsided now.

"It has been very busy. It's still raining here but not as heavy as it was earlier."

Rachel Vince, a meteorologist with MeteoGroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association, said the rain storms were moving east towards the Midlands.

She said: "There has been some particularly heavy rain across parts of South Wales.

"While the rain itself has been extensive, the torrential downpours have been confined to particular areas. The Gower and Swansea were particularly badly affected this morning."

She added: "During tomorrow we could see another pulse of heavy rain coming through and that will bring thunderstorms with it as well.

"I would have thought some localised flooding is a distinct possibility, but it's unclear where the worst will be."

Mumbles in Swansea saw 2.8mm (0.1in) of rain fall between 10am and 11am. Capel Curig in Snowdonia was the wettest place in Wales this morning, with 14mm (0.6in) of rain in six hours.

The Environment Agency warned of the risk of flooding from overflowing drains in north-west Wales last night and today, but said the risk of flooding from rivers was low.

A spokesman for Swansea City Council said: "Our highways maintenance crews have been working throughout the night and today dealing with a large volume of calls from residents.

"Most of the flooding has been relatively minor. The heavy rainfall last night and the continuing severe weather today has put some pressure on the mains which are having to cope with huge volumes of water.

"Extra staff and mechanical equipment is on stand-by for the weekend to enable us to cope with any calls or instances of flooding which may occur."

The spokesman added that anyone needing to report flooding could call the council's emergency highways telephone number on 0800 132081.