Update: M4 Prince of Wales Bridge has reopened, M48 Severn Bridge remains closed until at least midday tomorrow.
STORM DARRAGH has torn through South Wales overnight, on Friday December 6 into today, Saturday December 7, closing the two bridges considered vital to drivers coming from Wales into England and vice versa.
The decision to close the bridges, and keep them closed until further notice, was made by National Highways at around 11pm last night, December 6.
A spokesperson said: “Both the M48 Severn Bridge and the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge are closed in both directions due to strong winds.
“Road users travelling to Wales will need to follow the M5 and M50.”
Most recently, National Highways have confirmed that the M48 Severn Bridge is likely to remain closed until at least tomorrow, December 8, midday.
A spokesperson said: “The M48 Severn Bridge remains closed in both directions between J1 and J2 due to strong winds from Storm Darragh.
“The M48 is likely to remain closed until tomorrow at at least midday.”
Wind speeds of up to 80mph were predicted by the Met Office at the start of this week, when they issued a red weather warning for the wind.
The Met Office wind chart shows that winds reached 78mph last night.
The disruptions are all thanks to Storm Darragh, which has brought heavy rainfall, flooding, as well as train and bus cancellations across the UK, just weeks after Storm Bert had a devastating impact on many communities.
Flood alerts are in place across South Wales, including Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach and Bargoed, with floods expected from the River Usk and the River Rhymney.
Natural Resources Wales are urging everyone to stay away from seafronts.
To follow the situation live, and to find out when the bridges reopen, click on our live blog, here.