An immediate severe flood warning has been issued for Greenfield and Point of Ayr and people living in the areas at risk are being urged to take steps now to ensure their own safety and as far as possible that of their property.

Specific areas include the Scrap yard, Greenfield Business Park, the composting facility, the Penlon area, the sewage works and the Strand View and Strand Villas. Point of Ayr includes the community of Talacre from the gas terminal to Tin y Marfa.

Chief Superintendent Jeremy Vaughan of North Wales Police who is leading the co-ordinated response, said: "Severe flood warnings are only made when it is considered that there is a severe risk to life and property and the fact that this has been issued needs to be taken seriously. People living in the affected areas need to heed the warning and make arrangements now to secure their own safety."

Flintshire County Council will be opening two rest centres. People who leave their properties to stay with relatives or friends are urged to inform North Wales Police on 101.

There is an increased police presence in these areas and police are warning people not to put themselves and the emergency services at risk by visiting flooded areas or seafronts to take pictures.

Flood warnings are also in place for parts of Rhyl, on West Parade from Butterton Road to Sydenham Avenue. Kinmel Bay - the frontage from Sunnyvale Holiday Park to Golden Sands caravan park, including the promenade. And in Prestatyn there are extensive areas along the coast road from the outskirts of Rhyl to Prestatyn Golf Course.

A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: "We are warning people to avoid visiting the seafront due to the risk of being swept away by large waves or hit by wave and wind-blown debris. Flood water can also be extremely dangerous, and people should not attempt to walk or drive through it unless instructed by the emergency services."

For further information please visit: www.naturalresources.wales.gov.uk