PENARTH is bracing itself for high tides this weekend after a flood alert was issued for the Vale coastline.

It comes amid concerns of 'super tides' caused by a rare alignment between the moon and sun.

Six flood alert's have been issued for the Welsh coastline, including the Vale coastline from Aberthaw to the Severn Bridge, with three flood warnings also issued by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The organisation is asking people to take extra care near the coast as seasonal high tides could cause dangerous conditions.

High tides are likely to affect most areas of the coastline, but the stretch along South Wales - from the Gower through to the Wye Estuary - is likely to be most affected.

These areas could see localised flooding of coastal roads, and the potential for spray to overtop promenades and piers.

Spring tides are expected to peak Saturday morning and evening, before reducing from Sunday onwards. However, the weather forecast for Monday remains unsettled, and an increase in wind speed could cause further hazardous conditions.

A high tide of 13.4metres is expected in Penarth at 8.42am on Saturday morning, with the second high tide of 13.2metres expected at 9.02pm.

On Sunday morning a high tide of 13.3metres in expected at 9.24am, with the second high tide of 12.9metres due at 9.42pm.

The high tide is expected to fall back down to 12.7metres and 12.2metres on Monday, and 11.9metres and 11.3metres on Tuesday.

A rare planetary alignment means Wales and the rest of Britain could face a year of “super tides” and potential flooding along vast swathes of coastline, scientists have warned.

A spokesman from the Met Office said that ‘super tides’ were astronomical rather than meteorological, but that they were still expecting tides that were “slightly bigger than normal by a few inches” over the weekend in some areas.

He added that there could be gale force winds up to 70 miles an hour on Monday aswell.

Flood Warnings are already in place for Crofty on the Gower, and for the Wye Estuary at Tintern and Chepstow, as well as a number of the less serious Flood Alerts across the country.

Forecasters from NRW continue to monitor tidal and weather conditions closely and will issue further warnings if necessary over the weekend.

Operational staff are also on site at susceptible areas to watch out for any potential impacts.

People are advised to keep up to date with local news and weather reports, and check for the latest Flood Alerts or Warnings in their areas by phoning Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visiting www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/alerts.

Updates are also available by following @natreswales on Twitter.