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Households across the UK are being urged to prepare seven emergency items as multiple weather warnings for heavy rain are in force.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain for much of south Wales on Monday, with the warning in force until 23.59pm this evening. The national forecaster said the wet conditions are likely to bring disruption to travel, loss of power and other services, such as gas, water or mobile phone outages, and "extensive" flooding of homes and businesses is possible. Up to 40mm of rain is expected to fall extensively across the wider region, while up to 80mm is forecast to accumulate over higher ground. The heavy downpours will be accompanied by strong winds, with gales possible around coastal areas.

The Met Office has warned that fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible in areas covered by the amber warning, which may cause a danger to life.

Wider yellow warnings for rain are also in force across parts of southwest and northwest England, central and northern parts of Wales, and southwest Scotland, with some lasting until 3am on Tuesday morning.

Households that are affected by the weather warnings are being urged to prepare an emergency flood kit of seven essential items, including basic supplies like torches and batteries, key documents and phone numbers, as well as water, food and medication.

In its advice on protecting homes from flooding, the Met Office says: "Think about putting together an emergency flood kit with essential items that will help you cope in a flood, including:

• Insurance documents and list of contact numbers
• Torch and spare batteries
• First aid kit and any prescription medicines
• Warm waterproof clothes and blankets
• Bottled water and snacks
• Battery or wind-up radio
• Supplies for looking after your baby or pet

"Make sure that everyone knows where to find this kit and what to do if flooding happens."

The Met Office said a band of heavy rain will move over South Wales from late Sunday through Monday, and while rainfall amounts will vary, some heavy and persistent downpours are likely to fall, particularly over higher ground.

The forecaster said a band of heavy rain will move across Wales, northern England and southern Scotland during Saturday morning, before heading eastwards and eventually clearing early on Sunday.

Richard Preece, Natural Resources Wales's Duty Tactical Manager, added: "If flooding is forecast in your area, we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe.

"Think about preparing a flood kit with any important documents and medication, moving your car to higher ground and moving treasured possessions upstairs or to a higher place.

"Checktheflood warning pages on our websitefor local Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings for river or coastal flooding. These pages are updated every 15 minutes. Visit naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188."