Parts of Wales are braced for heavy rain on Friday, which could lead to flooding.

An amber weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office for much of the south of the country, which it says will “likely” lead to homes and businesses being flooded and communities cut off by flooded roads.

The warnings cover Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Torfaen until midnight.

A yellow weather warning for rain is also in place for most of Mid, West, and South Wales and the south-west of England, which could also lead to flooding and is expected to last until 3am on Saturday.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had 29 flood alerts in place on Friday morning, where “flooding is possible”, while two flood warnings, where “flooding is expected”, were issued for the River Towy at Carmarthen Quay and the River Ritec in Tenby.

The agency said checks on flood defences are under way, as well as ensuring drainage grids and screens are clear to reduce the risk to people and their homes.

Sean Moore, duty tactical manager for NRW, said: “The band of heavy rain spreading across parts of Wales on Friday and into Saturday is expected to bring flooding impacts and disruption to many areas of South and Mid Wales.

“We have teams out checking defences and monitoring river levels alongside Met Office advice to forecast flood risk, and we will update our flood alerts and warnings as appropriate.

“We are urging people to keep a close eye on weather reports and on the NRW website for details on any potential impacts in their areas. We’re also advising to take extra care when travelling as conditions could be hazardous.”