SEVERE weather could continue into New Year, Natural Rescources Wales has warned.

Following prolonged periods of persistent rainfall over the Christmas period, it is thought further heavy rain could cause localised flooding into January the New Year.

F forecasts show another band of heavy rain due to reach Wales early today continuing through to mid-afternoon, with South Wales one of the areas where it is heaviest.

Up to 20 millimetres of rain is expected across the area, with up to 40 millimetres (one-and-a-half inches) on higher ground from tonight.

Residents have been asked to remain vigilant and check forecasts, while river levels continued to stay high yesterday with flood alerts issued for the Rivers Wye and Monnow in Monmouthshire, and the River Usk in Monmouthshire and Newport.

Standing water remained on many road surfaces, with Farm Road in Trevethin, Torfaen, among the worst affected.

A Natural Resources Wales spokesman said: “People are urged to take extra care as the unsettled weather continuesand should never attempt to walk or drive through flood water as it can be extremely dangerous.”

The spokesman also warned people near coastline to be prepared over the coming days as strong winds combined with high tides are likely to cause large waves.

Conditions on coastal roads are likely to be stormy, with sea spray overtopping sea walls.

Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings are updated every 15 minutes on the Natural Resources Wales website – www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

See the latest updates on Twitter by following @natreswales

To sign up for flood warnings phone Floodline 0845 988 1188.