A climate change study has revealed that multiple areas across North Wales could be underwater by the end of the decade.

The study has been conducted by Climate Central, an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists who research climate change and its impact on the public.

The organisation used current projections to produce a map showing which areas of the country would be underwater by 2030.

Sea levels will impact areas around Rhyl and Prestatyn dramatically.

The Leader:

According to the map, rising water in Denbighshire could reach as far south as the A55 north of St Asaph.

Further west sea levels will rise around Llandudno, covering much of the town, while there will be significant inland flooding near Conwy as well.

With rising sea levels also impacting low lying areas around the banks of the River Conwy.

Similar issues will be seen all the way round the coast of Anglesey, with particular issues inland near Llangefni and Capel Mawr.

The Leader:

Climate Central admits the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."

But it adds: "Improved elevation data indicate far greater global threats from sea level rise and coastal flooding than previously thought, and thus greater benefits from reducing their causes."