Flood-hit South Wales has declared a critical incident after Storm Jorge heralded its arrival with heavy rain and strong winds as Britain endures its fourth weekend of downpours.

This month’s third named storm is forecast to bring rain, gales and snow, prompting weather warnings stretching from Cornwall to the north of Scotland and across to Northern Ireland.

South Wales Police said emergency services, councils and other bodies were “working continuously to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected, minimise damage to infrastructure and property, and minimise disruption”.

Pontypridd, which was also flooded two weeks ago, and the Ely area of Cardiff, are particularly affected, the force said, as it warned residents to stay indoors unless “absolutely necessary”.

More than 600 homes and a similar number of businesses have been hit in Wales, accounting for around a quarter of affected properties in the UK.

Superintendent Andy Kingdom said: “Indications are that the rain is set to stop and river levels will soon recede.

“There is still significant surface water and debris on the roads throughout the force area so we would advise people only to travel if absolutely necessary.”

England has had more than 200% of its average February rainfall, according to the Environment Agency, with some areas getting a month’s worth in 24 hours.

There were six yellow weather warnings for rain, wind and snow in force across the country on Saturday morning, stretching from Cornwall to the north of Scotland and across to Northern Ireland.

A total of 76 flood warnings were in place across England and Wales, mostly in the South West and along the English-Welsh border, and in Yorkshire, while a further 204 “flooding is possible” alerts are also in force.

WEATHER Storm
(PA Graphics)

Met Office forecaster Emma Salter said rain is expected to continue until about 11am, before sunshine dominates through the middle of the day.

Snow will continue to fall, especially in the Scottish Highlands, where Ms Salter said up to 30cm is predicted in some places.

The wind is also expected to be a factor, with gusts up to 75mph expected in more exposed places in northern England and the Highlands, she said.

Winter weather Feb 29th 2020
The River Taff at Pontypridd in South Wales after heavy rainfall overnight (Rhondda Cynon Taf Council/PA)

Heavy rain which started with Storm Ciara, continued with Storm Dennis and now Jorge has contributed to record river levels which have seen safety teams put in “Herculean efforts” to erect flood defences.

Towns including Ironbridge and Bewdley along the River Severn in the West Midlands, and West Cowick and Lidgate in East Yorkshire, along the River Aire, are among the worst-hit areas in England.

The Environment Agency said 1,000 staff per day have worked on flood defences and pumps, clearing debris and repairing damaged defences, erecting 3.7 miles of barriers.

The body warned the country needs to brace itself for “more frequent periods of extreme weather like this” because of climate change.

Ms Salter said the Met Office encouraged people to “slow down, plan ahead and look out for each other” during the cold and stormy weather.