The South West is being warned to expect flooding as more rain is forecast and a weather warning is extended into tomorrow. With the region today being lashed with downpours and high winds, the Met Office said more rain is expected on Monday.
It has extended its yellow weather warning for rain until 9am tomorrow and said flooding is a real possibility. The Met Office said: “Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely.”
It also warned of potential power cuts and delays on bus and train services due to spray and flooding on roads “with journey times taking longer”.
The Met Office said rain is due to arrive in Cornwall this morning and move across the South West. Some areas could see as much as 30mm of rain in a nine to 12 hour period – although there is potential for as much as 50mm to 80mm fall on higher ground such as Dartmoor.
The Met Office said the rain will reach Bristol by about 4pm and grow heavier throughout the evening. It won’t start to ease off until 4am tomorrow and will still be raining until about 9am.
A yellow warning was issued for the South West yesterday and continues today with the Met Office saying there is potential for damage and disruption. Winds are due to strengthen from west to east during today, with gusts of 50-55mph likely in places, exceeding 60mph in the most exposed areas. In Bristol, wind speeds are expected to peak at 42mph at 8pm today.
The Met Office said the strong winds will be accompanied by outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, which could lead to surface water and spray on roads. It is likely some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves and the Met Office has forecast delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.
GWR has already said travellers should expect disruption to services and said fewer trains will be running between Plymouth and Exeter today. And Plymouth Boat Trips has scrapped services on the Cawsand, Saltash and Barbican Link ferries, while the Cremyll Ferry will stop operating at 6.45pm.
The Torbay Half Marathon, due to take place this morning, has been called off due to the weather but the Barnstaple Marathon is going ahead, albeit with changes in the event village and the scrapping of bouncy castles for children..
The Met Office said there could be problems for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges and there could even be short term loss of power and other services. The winds will gradually ease across inland parts of the South West through this evening and night, but it may remain fairly windy along some coastal areas.