Residents near the River Wye in Herefordshire are being warned to remain alert, with the possibility of flooding in some parts on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Heavy rain is affecting parts of mid Wales on Christmas Eve.
This is expected to see levels on the Wye in Herefordshire rise as we head into Christmas Day.
The Flood Alert for the River Wye in Herefordshire says:
“River levels are rising on the River Wye as a result of heavy rainfall.
“Consequently, the flooding of roads and farmland is expected over the next couple of days.
“We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads along the River Wye from Hay on Wye to Ross on Wye.
“Other locations that may be affected include Byford, Bredwardine and Hereford.
“Predicted peaks – Hay on Wye 2.2m to 2.7m this afternoon, 24/12; Bredwardine 3.9m to 4.4m overnight on Sunday, 24/12; Belmont 4.0m to 4.5m overnight on Sunday, 24/12; Old Wye Bridge 3.5m to 4.0m overnight on Sunday, 24/12; Mordiford 3.7m to 4.2m early Monday morning, 25/12; and Ross on Wye 3.0m to 3.5m on Monday, 25/12.
“Further rainfall is forecast during today and into tomorrow.
“We currently expect river levels to remain high until Tuesday, 26/12.
“We are closely monitoring the situation.
“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
“This message will be updated by 6:00pm on 24/12/2023, or as the situation changes.”
Source: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/031WAF119
With the ground saturated across Wales and Herefordshire, it wouldn’t take a lot of rain to considerably raise levels.
Former Environment Manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Dave Throup, took to Twitter on Friday to warn of the potential flooding risk along the River Wye and River Severn.
He said:
“Warning for heavy rain across north and mid Wales on Sunday.
“20-40mm widely, double that over west facing high ground.
“Likely to start building levels on the Severn & Wye.”
The Met Office has also issued a weather warning for heavy rain across mid Wales that comes into force from 10pm on Saturday.
The warning states the following:
“A band of rain will slowly move south across Wales on Saturday evening and through Sunday, probably clearing to the south later in the day on Sunday.
“20-40 mm of rain may accumulate quite widely within the warning area, but west-facing high ground could see 60-80 mm of rain during this period.
“Strong and gusty winds will accompany the rainfall.”
Further heavy rain is also expected between Christmas and New Year.
