Storm Chandra is to bring flooding and travel disruption to Wales, with yellow wind and rain warnings in place.
It is the third major storm to hit the UK this month after Goretti and Ingrid, which caused widespread damage and disruption.
Chandra will bring widespread heavy and persistent rain and gales on Tuesday, with a “small chance” of gales of as much as 80mph (129km/h) in parts of Pembrokeshire, the Met Office said.
It is set to bring south to south westerly winds, which will become very strong on Tuesday morning with gusts of up to 60mph (97km/h) inland and 70mph (113km/h) along coasts.
“There is a small chance of gusts up to 80mph for parts of the Isles of Scilly and Pembrokeshire,” the Met Office said.
An alert for rain has been issued from 13:00 GMT on Monday until 10:00 on Tuesday and covers much of south and mid Wales, while a wind alert is in place for parts of south west Wales from 05:00 to 16:00 on Tuesday.
Forecasters predict widespread rainfall of between 20mm (0.8in) and 30mm (1.2in), in the worst-hit areas, including Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, seeing up to 80mm (3.2in).
Rain falling on previously saturated ground means the risk of flooding of homes and businesses has increased, alongside associated travel delays, the Met Office said.
The yellow rain warning for Storm Chandra covers the following areas:
- Blaenau Gwent
- Bridgend
- Caerphilly
- Cardiff
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Newport
- Pembrokeshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- Torfaen
- Vale of Glamorgan
The yellow wind warning during Storm Chandra is in place in the following areas in south west Wales:
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Pembrokeshire
- Swansea
Those whose properties are at risk of flooding due to the weather alerts are advised to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit, while drivers are urged to check road conditions or public transport timetables.
The Met Office also advised people to consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items in case of power cuts.
Traffic Wales warned drivers to cut their speed in heavy rain and leave plenty of distance between their vehicle and the one in front.
They also urged anyone coming across floodwater on a road to find an alternative route if they are not sure of its depth.
