The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain across parts of South West England, with heavy downpours expected to bring localized flooding and travel disruption through Sunday into Monday morning.
The warning, which covers regions including Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, was updated at 10:26 AM today, expanding the affected areas further south and west and escalating the impact from low to medium. The yellow alert will remain in place until 8:00 AM on Monday, 24 February.
What to Expect:
- Flooding of homes and businesses is possible, leading to property damage.
- Road closures and travel disruption due to surface water and spray, with the risk of some communities becoming cut off by flooded roads.
- Dangerous driving conditions, especially on rural routes and around high ground.
- Possible delays and cancellations to bus and train services.
- A chance of power outages and disruptions to other utilities.
- Fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a danger to life in some areas.
Rainfall Totals and Wind Impact:
Forecasters predict widespread rainfall totals of 20-40 mm, with the heaviest accumulations over higher terrain. Areas like Dartmoor could see as much as 70-100 mm. Strong south to southwesterly winds will accompany the rain, exacerbating travel conditions and increasing the risk of coastal flooding in vulnerable areas.
Advice to Residents:
The Met Office and local authorities are urging residents to prepare for flooding and take precautions to stay safe:
- Check if your property is at risk of flooding and consider creating a flood plan.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and check road conditions and public transport schedules before setting out.
- Prepare for possible power outages by gathering essential supplies like torches, batteries, and portable phone chargers.
- Stay updated with local weather reports, as weather warnings can change rapidly.
- Keep away from floodwaters, especially fast-moving water, which can be deceptively powerful and life-threatening.
Why Is This a Yellow Warning?
A yellow warning indicates a low likelihood of a medium impact event. While the risk to most areas remains moderate, there is a chance of severe impacts in certain locations, particularly in flood-prone or low-lying regions.
Looking Ahead:
- Sunday (Feb 23) — Heavy rain throughout the day with persistent showers into the evening.
- Monday (Feb 24) — Rain clearing eastwards, followed by scattered showers. Amber warnings for wind remain in place.
- Tuesday to Saturday — No further warnings currently in effect, though unsettled weather may return later in the week.
Residents in South West England are urged to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding. For continuous updates on weather warnings, visit the Met Office website or follow their official social media channels.
If you encounter flooding or other emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
Stay safe and stay informed with The Sentinel Current as we continue to provide updates on this developing weather situation.
