Heavy rain and melting snow expected to cause further flooding across Devon (From This is The West Country)

5:25pm

5:23pm

Click the link below to view the latest flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency, including upper and lower stretches of the River Exe.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/34678.aspx?type=Region&term=Southwest&Severity=2

4:08pm

4:07pm

The Met Office has extended its amber warning for heavy rain to tomorrow, Wednesday. A further yellow warning has also been issued for Friday.

Click - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_warnings.html?day=1 - for full details.

3:33pm

THE Environment Agency is urging people to be prepared for possible localised flooding as more heavy rain is due to reach the South West later today and into tomorrow.

High ground in Dartmoor and Exmoor, in Devon, is most likely to be affected, and strong winds could lead to some disruption along the coast as waves and spray come over the top of defences.

There are currently seven Flood Warnings and 43 Flood Alerts in place across the South West, although this is predicted to increase.

With estimates of an average of 30 mm on Exmoor, and a maximum of 51 mm by tomorrow morning, it is expected that some rivers will respond several hours after the rain stops.

Larger rivers, including the Lower Exe and Severn, will continue to rise throughout the week.

"With more rain on the way, we’re advising people to take precautions and be on their guard for flooding. Anyone concerned about flooding in their area can phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit our website for advice on how to prepare or to find out if free flood warnings are available in their area,’ said Jeremy Bailey from the Environment Agency.

"We strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings and keep a close eye on local weather forecasts. We also ask that people stay safe, by staying away from swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater."

‘We already have teams out on the ground checking on flood defences and clearing any blockages in order to reduce the risk of flooding as much as possible.’
 

10:39am

10:39am

9:05am

9:05am

8:38am

The Met Office has hightened the risk of flooding in Mid Devon from a yellow warning to amber - the second most severe alert.

A statement on the Met Office website today reads: "Further rain will spread northeastwards across Wales and South West England early on Tuesday, becoming heavy and persistent in places before clearing again overnight.

"Given saturated ground, the public should be prepared for further localised flooding and disruption to travel, particularly in parts of Devon and South Wales."

Further information and advice can be found here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html
 

2:04pm

9:20am

THE Environment Agency has issued seven flood warnings for the south west as a band of heavy rain and gale-force winds are expected to lash the region today and tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warnings for today and tomorrow, with the first deluge forecast to the drench the Mid Devon area this afternoon and into this evening. More heavy rain, accompanied by 'strong to gale-force' winds will batter the region for most of tomorrow. A Met Office statement warns that 'given saturated ground, the public should be aware that further localised flooding and disruption to travel is likely.'

Seven flood warnings and 40 flood alerts have been issued for the south west by the Environment Agency, including for properties and roads alongside the River Exe between Tiverton and Exeter. The warning covers areas including Bickleigh, Thorverton Mill, Nether Exe, Brampford Speke, Upton Pyne, the A396 and A3072 at Bickleigh and the Exeter to London Paddington railway line.

Among the other warnings issued are ones for the upper and lower River Frome catchment areas and stretchs of the A361 at Curry Moor and Hay Moor and between East Lyng and Burrowbridge.

The 40 flood alerts currently in place include warnings for a variety of Mid Devon rivers and their tributaries, including the rivers Creedy, Creedy Yeo, Little Dart and Lapford Yeo.

For a full list of all flood warnings, visit the Environment Agency website at - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx - or call the agency's freephone Floodline warning service on 0845 988 1188.

 

5:01pm

DEVON County Council has blocked a lane off the A396 near Bickleigh after the recent severe weather left it in danger of collapsing.

A spokesman said:

“Despite informing the public of the closure using signs, people have continued to use the road, moving the signs and putting themselves and others in danger. We have now been forced to block the road to restrict access until repairs can be carried out.”

4:54pm

Statement issued by the Met Office today, Friday: "A combination of rain and snow melt could lead to localised minor surface water and river flooding during the second half of Friday. The public should be aware of potential disruption to travel.

"The public is advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html."

4:48pm