Weather warning upgraded to amber

Met Office and Environment Agency say flooding expected

The Met Office has upgraded its previous yellow warning of heavy rain across the south west into an amber alert. At the same time, the Environment Agency is warning of high river levels in much of Devon.

Downpours will last for much of Friday, with 40 to 60 mm of rain expected quite widely over high ground. A few places, across Dartmoor in particular, are likely to see 80 to 100 mm with much of this falling in around 9 to 12 hours before clearing eastwards. This is likely to cause flooding and disruption to transport. 

The Met Office says an amber warning means "an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. You should think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property. You may want to consider the impact of the weather on your family and your community and whether there is anything you need to do ahead of the severe weather to minimise the impact."

What to expect in this amber alert

• Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
• Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads
• Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely