14/12/12
By Paulette Flahavin
A flood alert is in place in Britain as strong winds and heavy rain are moving in from the South West.
With many people still dealing with home insurance claims and drying out from November's extensive flooding, the Environmental Agency is warning residents to prepare for both extensive rain and storm surges.
A total of 13 flood warnings are in place in the South West and Wales, and 47 regions in Scotland, England and Wales are being told to brace for the possibility of flooding.
Among the areas expected to be worst-hit is Wales, where the Prince of Wales himself will be carrying out an all-day tour.
The Prince's schedule includes a stop at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, located in Carmarthen. A flood warning has been issued for the area and over an inch of rain is forecast to fall.
Flood alerts have also been issued by the Environmental Agency for areas close to Swansea and Port Talbot, where Prince Charles is scheduled to stop first.
The agency said the ground in areas of south and west Wales continues to be waterlogged from November's downpours.
In the next 24 hours between 20mm and 30mm of rain is forecast to fall in the South West and Wales.
Winds as strong as 60mph will blow through most of the UK, though even stronger 70mph winds are expected in north-east Scotland.
The full force of the severe weather will be felt in the South West, where heavy rain has already begun.
"A band of heavy rain is going to move through the South West of England, with much of the UK affected by it," said Gareth Harvey, a meteorologist for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, adding:
"It will sweep north-eastwards throughout the day and cause localised flooding in some areas which will get up to 30mm of rain in 24 hours."
Mr Harvey said the day would be extremely wet and windy before it would start to clear.
People are being warned to stay clear of seafronts, jetties and quaysides along the southern coast as waves could be dangerous.
As the ground in south and west Wales continues to be waterlogged from earlier rainfall, the agency warned of flood risks there.
