More than 20 flood alerts have been issued across Wales as winds and heavy rain batter the country.

Among the 25 alerts issued by Natural Resources Wales today is an alert for rivers in North Ceredigion including the Rheidol, Ystwyth, Melindwr, Ceunant and Clarach.

Heavy and persistent rain is expected to continue until at least 11pm tonight.

After this period, the rain should ease substantially during the early hours of Saturday morning.

Natural Resources Wales says: “The levels of the Rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol are expected to continue to rise until at least 7pm on Friday.

“The combination of ground conditions, existing river levels and forecast rainfall quantities gives a high risk of flooding of low-lying land during the next 24 hours.”

Rivers in the upper and lower Teifi, between Pontrhydfendigaid and Cardigan, are also under flood alert.

NRW says: “A period of heavy rainfall is expected to continue across parts of the Upper Teifi catchment for the remainder of the day, with a gradual easing towards 11pm.

“The River Teifi, between Pontrhydfendigaid and Lampeter, is expected to reach a peak level between 6pm and 9pm."

The same warning is in place for lower Teifi with the river between Lampeter and Cardigan continuing to rise until 3am on Saturday, before gradually subsiding thereafter.

A number of alerts have been issued in Gwynedd too from the Dyfi to the Llyn Peninsula.

Areas around the river Dysynni from Tywyn to Minffordd could face localised flooding problems may result from surface water. River levels are above normal.

Flooding is also possible for the A487 north of Machynlleth. In addition to the area detailed, some localised flooding problems may result from surface water.

Parts of Dolgellau from Marian Mawr Recreation Ground to Arran Road are under flood alert.

Alerts are also in place for areas around the rivers of North West Wales, from Abergwyngregyn to Aberdaron, areas along the river Glaslyn and river Dwyryd, from Dyffryn Ardudwy to Nant Gwynant and areas around the River Mawddach and River Wnion, from Fairbourne to Ganllwyd and Rhydymain.

A yellow weather warning for heavy winds and rain runs until 9pm this evening before with tomorrow expected to be a rather cloudy start but will brighten up from the west with scattered showers from late morning.

For up to date details, you can contact floodline on 0345 988 1188; quick dial number 503017.