Rivers on flood alert as heavy rain forecast

The Environment Agency has issued flood alert warnings for Devon's rivers as heavy rain is expected to hit the region. 

Outbreaks of rain, which will be persistent and heavy at times, are expected to spread east across southern England during Wednesday morning.

Many parts of Devon have already seen large rainfall accumulations over the past few days and therefore this further rain may cause come minor local surface water flooding. Lightning may be an additional hazard.

The public should be aware that some local disruption to transport looks likely.

The Exeter-based agency’s chief forecaster said: “A frontal wave has moved in from the southwest, bringing some heavy rain to southern England.

“Whilst there remains some uncertainty in the exact location of the heaviest rainfall, accumulations of 20-40 mm could be possible quite widely within the warning area, whilst 50-60 mm is possible in one or two places.

“Rain is expected to become increasingly confined to the south east through Wednesday.”

This weather warning is valid until 6pm on Wednesday. Live flood warnings can be found here.

The forecast for Devon is as follows:

Wednesday

Heavy and perhaps thundery rain, clearing east through the morning, then becoming largely dry with some sunshine. A few showers in the west later, with winds strengthening. Feeling fresher. Maximum Temperature 19°C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
A mixture of sunshine and showers, with the risk of thunder and hail, for much of the time, although perhaps some rain for Thursday. Breezy and feeling fresher.

The good news is that the sunshine is set to return in time for the Bank Holiday. Read more here: http://www.theexeterdaily.co.uk/news/business-daily-local-news/sunshine-...