Batten down the hatches as Met Office issues Amber warning for rain

The Met Office has issued an Amber warning for the South West, reporting that rain is expected to become heavy and prolonged tonight, persisting through much of Friday.

The Chief Forecaster reported that "Frontal bands pushing northeastwards during the latter part of Thursday and during Friday will find their progress slowed up by a blocking area of high pressure located northeast of the United Kingdom.

"This will result in the associated rain-bearing systems becoming slow-moving over southwestern parts of England and Wales leading to heavy and, at times, prolonged rainfall.

"40 to 60mm is expected to fall widely over southern parts of both Cornwall and Devon by the end of Friday with the potential for in excess of 100mm to fall over exposed southern and southeastern upslopes.

"Southeasterly winds will also increase to reach gale force around exposed coasts and also over high ground."

The public have been warned to be prepared for localised flooding and disruption to travel.