AN upgraded amber weather warning has been issued with heavy rain and strong winds set to cause flooding across the Tivyside area.

The fresh warning runs from 8pm tonight (Friday, February 19) to 6pm tomorrow and warns that heavy, persistent rainfall is expected to result in flooding and disruption to transport and utilities.

A Met office spokesperson said: “A slow moving frontal system is expected to bring persistent and at times heavy rainfall to parts of Wales through Friday and much of Saturday.

“35 to 70 mm of rainfall is expected widely within the warning area, with high ground and upslopes exposed to the south and southwest expected to see significantly more.

“Here rainfall totals are expected to reach 100 to 150 mm quite widely, with as much as 200 mm possible on the highest ground of south Wales before the rain band clears to the east during the late afternoon and evening.

“As well as heavy rain, strong to gale force southerly winds will be an additional hazard through Saturday.

“Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely. Spray and flooding will lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

“There's a good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads, while power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses is likely.”