UPDATE: 1.23pm

A red flood alert is now in place for for the River Wye at Tintern and Chepstow and an amber flood alert is in place for Usk Estuary and Severn Estuary between Aberthaw and Severn Bridge

Gemma Plumb, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said there would be gusts of 50 to 55mph throughout the day along the south west Wales coast and would reach up to 60mph in places, while in Devon and Cornwall they would be between 40 and 55mph.

The Met Office said winds were expected to increase to "gale or severe gale force’’ on exposed parts of the coast, which could lead to localised disruption to transport.

 


PEOPLE in Newport and coastal areas of Gwent should be on the alert for possible flooding, say environmental experts as continued high tides are set to coincide with stormy weather throughout today.

The Severn Estuary is identified by the Environment Agency Wales as an area of concern and officers have been checking defences, including the new flood wall in Newport which protects 420 homes and businesses and can withstand a tide level of more than nine metres.

They have also made sure that flood gates in Chepstow are closed and working properly.

Strong westerly winds will cause stormy sea conditions today which, combined with some of the highest tides of the year, will result in high sea levels and spray.

Tides yesterday reached trigger levels for flood warnings in Newport (7.5 metres), but high tides this morning and evening are forecast as being 20- 30 centimetres higher.

The current forecast indicates low-lying coastal roads, farmland, and isolated properties are vulnerable to flooding and the agency is advising people to be careful if they are driving or walking in coastal locations.

For the latest on flood alerts and warnings, visit www.environment- agency.gov.uk/ flood or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

● If you’re affected by flooding, call our newsdesk on 01633 777226 or e-mail newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk