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Storm Callum: Amber weather alert issued for Wales

Met Office / Getty A map of the warnings covering most of WalesMet Office / Getty
The Met Office has predicted Wales will be lashed by rain during Storm Callum

Disruption is expected on Friday as Storm Callum hits Wales.

An amber warning for heavy rain has been issued for most of south Wales bringing an increased likelihood of travel delays, power cuts and potential risks to life and property.

It comes on top of a yellow Met Office warning for high winds and heavy rain across most of the country.

Arriva Trains Wales is amending services and ferry crossings have been cancelled because of the storm threat.

The Met Office warnings run from the early hours of Friday into Saturday and a number of flood alerts have been issued across south and west Wales.

The worst of the rain will be on south and south-facing hills, with 120mm to 160mm (4.7in to 6.3in) predicted, according to the forecaster.

High winds with gusts of 50mph to 60mph around exposed coasts and hills are also forecast.

Met Office Map showing the amber warning across most of southern WalesMet Office
The amber warning covers most of southern Wales

Amber warnings can mean:

  • Spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • Delays and cancellations to some train and bus services are likely
  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely
  • Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
  • Some communities could be cut off by flooded roads
  • Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses are likely

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) warned that weather conditions at sea could also cause flooding with large waves, strong winds and a tidal surge.

Those adverse conditions saw Irish Ferries cancel six crossings between Holyhead and Dublin while Stena Lines cancelled services between Fishguard and Rosslare.

Getty Images The breakwater at HolyheadGetty Images
Ferry crossings late on Thursday night and Friday morning have been cancelled

Due to the threat of coastal flooding, Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail have amended services on the Swansea to Carmarthen line from 07:00 BST to 11:00 and after 19:00.

Arriva said only very limited replacement buses will be available and advised people to check the latest advice before travelling.

No trains will operate between Machynlleth and Newtown after 10:00 on Friday until Monday morning.

Arriva has also cancelled services between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog on both Friday and Saturday.

Jaggery/Geograph A photo of an Arriva train at Ferryside.Jaggery/Geograph
Arriva Trains Wales is amending some routes because of the threat of flooding

On Thursday, Rhondda Cynon Taf council had teams of workers filling 2,500 sandbags and asked residents to clear drains and gullies to help prevent flooding.

Meanwhile Carmarthenshire council urged drivers to take extra care along the coast.

NRW said its emergency response teams were checking flood defences, clearing gullies and ditches and installing temporary defences.

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With the storm set to move north during Friday and Saturday, electricity distributor SP Energy Networks issued advice in case of power cuts in North Wales.

Director Stephen Stewart said: "Even though power cuts are rare, during times of heavy rain and flooding they become more likely.

"Preparations are well underway to ensure we have engineers and equipment and customer care teams on hand to respond to faults should they come in."

The yellow warning runs from 05:00 BST on Friday until midnight on Saturday and the amber warning from 06:00 on Friday until 18:00 on Saturday.