Met Office weather maps show how 70mph winds and torrential rain will batter Wales within hours

The Met Office has warned of strong winds and persistent rain across Wales, with coastal and high-ground areas facing gusts of up to 70mph. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

What will begin as a fairly ordinary December evening is set to turn into a stormy night across large parts of Wales. Between heavy rain, gusty winds and saturated ground, there is a real risk of flooding and travel disruption.

From 6pm tonight, a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office comes into effect across much of Wales, with forecasts calling for persistent rain and strengthening winds through until 6pm tomorrow.

The 24-hour warning is affecting Blaenau Gwent , Bridgend , Caerphilly , Cardiff , Carmarthenshire , Ceredigion , Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire , Neath Port Talbot , Newpo