UK weather: Met Office amber warning in force for heavy rain and flooding

Winter – meteorologically speaking – has started on a very wet note with rain across much of the UK.

That trend is likely to continue for most of Monday and turn particularly heavy at times.

Rainfall totals will build quite widely but with very saturated ground there are numerous yellow Met Office warnings in force.

A more severe amber Met Office warning is in force for south Wales until 23:59 GMT.

Between 20 and 40mm (0.8 and 1.6in) of rain is expected to fall widely here, with some south-western facing hills seeing nearer to 120mm (4.7in).

This would mean a month’s worth of rain would fall in just one day.

Extensive flooding is possible along with disruption on the road and rail network, loss of power and communities potentially cut off.

The Met Office has also warned that fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.