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Three weeks' rainfall 'in a day' Rain warning as summer floods hit
(about 4 hours later)
As much as three-quarters of an average month's rain could fall across south Wales on Wednesday, weather forecasters have said. Heavy rain warnings are in place in south Wales after a downpoure brought localised flooding amid more summer weather misery.
The region is expected to bear the brunt of heavy rainfall across the country and parts of England. Businesses in one Bridgend street say they are battling against 3ft (0.9m) of floodwater coming through the cellars.
Weather group Meteogroup UK said south Wales could see at least 30mm of rain, with up to 50mm falling on hills. BBC Wales weather forecaster Derek Brockway said the rainfall would be less than was feared, although it may still bring more flooding.
Some valley areas could be at risk of localised flooding by the end of the day with water run-off from the hills. But the rain will clear, and Thursday will be bright with scattered showers.
Forecaster Paul Mott said he expected Wednesday to be a very wet day across south Wales with some persistent rain, heavy at times. The Press Association's weather division, Meteogroup UK, reported south Wales as having the highest rainfall in the UK on Wednesday, with 23mm (0.9in) falling between in six hours from 0600 GMT.
See the predicted forecast The downpour led to the Met Office issuing flash warnings at 1300 GMT of heavy rain from Newport in the east to Swansea in the west.
He said: "I think much of south Wales will see at least 30mm of rain through the day, probably up to about 50mm across hills and land. It said more heavy rain would affect south Wales in the afternoon and early evening, giving a further 15mm - 25mm (0.6in - 1in) and as much as 30mm (1.2in) in places.
"That's getting on for three-quarters of the average month's rainfall." Forecasters have predicted as much as three-quarters of an average month's rainfall by the end of Wednesday.
The south west of England is expected to receive heavy rain too, although Mr Mott said it would probably not be as heavy as that in Wales. Cellars
The rain is expected to continue into the evening. Shopkeepers in Caroline Street in Bridgend were battling against rising floodwaters.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said on Tuesday evening it was not issuing any flood warnings but urged people to check its website for updates. Up to 3ft (0.9m) of water poured into the cellars of at least two businesses, including Celtic Jewellers, whose owner Clive Barber said his store flooded two or three times a year.
He estimated the damage this time would run into thousands of pounds, with most of the water coming up through the toilet.
The maintenance manager of a nearby office affected said the water rose quickly.
He said: "We came out to mop up from yesterday. It was nice and clean and the next thing you know, out the back, 6ft of water shot in the air and within no time there was 2ft of water in here. And it's the third time in a week.
"It could happen again tomorrow if it rains heavy tonight. We're here all night, on standby until the rain stops."
Derek Brockway said: "South Wales is bearing the brunt of the heavy rain, typically 15mm - 25mm, in places, more on some of the hills and higher ground.
"That is less than we thought yesterday. It has brought localised flooding in Bridgend and a risk of more local flooding by the the end of today."