Storm Dennis: Wales braces for 70mph winds and nearly five inches of rain this weekend

The Met Office has upgraded its weather warnings for Wales as Storm Dennis prepares to bring 70mph winds and nearly five inches of rain to the country this weekend.

Yellow and amber weather warnings are in place as the system develops in the North Atlantic before tracking eastward toward the UK.

On Saturday (February 15), it's expected to pass to the north of Scotland, sending powerful winds and torrential rain to Wales.

Forecasters are warning that impacts from the storm are not expected to be as severe as those from Ciara, but "disruption is still likely".

Amber and yellow weather warnings are in effect for Wales this weekend. (Met Office)

The first weather warning - for wind - will come into effect at 10am on Saturday and last until 11.59pm on Sunday.

According to the forecast, the strongest winds are likely to be on Saturday afternoon and evening, with a lull overnight, before increasing again during Sunday.

Forecasters are predicting gusts of 50mph inland and as high 60-70mph around the coasts, especially in the west and south.

This could result in delays to road, air, rail and ferry transport, as well as problems for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.

Power cuts and disruption to other services are also likely.

An amber weather warning for rain will come into effect just a few hours later at 12pm on Saturday and last until 9pm on Sunday.

Nearly five inches of rain (120mm) may fall on the high ground of Wales as the system moves across the country.

Elsewhere, totals between 20-80mm are likely.

Forecasters have stressed that the rain is predicted to fall over areas already saturated from recent storms, making flooding likely.

Homes and businesses will be at risk, and some communities may be cut off.

Delays and cancellations to train and bus services are also possible, as water on roads leads to difficult driving conditions.

The Met Office has said Dennis is not likely to be as severe as Storm Ciara, which packed winds as high as 97mph.

However, residents should ready themselves for a "very wet and windy" weekend, and prepare for all potential impacts.

Here's what to expect where you live:

Cardiff:

Cardiff weather forecast (Met Office)

Swansea:

Swansea weather forecast (Met Office)

Tenby:

Tenby weather forecast (Met Office)

Aberporth:

Aberporth weather forecast (Met Office)

Aberystwyth:

Aberystwyth weather forecast (Met Office)

Porthmadog:

Porthmadog weather forecast (Met Office)

Rhyl:

Rhyl weather forecast (Met Office)

Builth Wells:

Builth Wells weather forecast (Met Office)