Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: South West England

Start time estimate: Sunday 1pm

End time estimate: Monday 9am

The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow rain warning for South West England for Sunday and Monday.

Heavy rainfall is forecast for the region, expected to start at around 1pm on Sunday and persisting until Monday at 9am.

The updated Yellow warning for rain was announced at 12:27pm on Thursday, February 20.

A Met Office forecast said: “Rain will become persistent and heavy through Sunday, clearing to the east overnight but followed by showers into Monday morning. Accumulations of 20-40 mm are expected fairly widely across the warning area, with the heaviest rain over high ground, especially over south or southwest-facing upslopes. As much as 70-100 mm may fall over Dartmoor. Rain will also be accompanied by strong south to southwesterly winds, making for poor travel conditions.”

What to expect

Some minor interruptions to power supplies and other services possible; Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life; Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible; Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads; Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

What should you do during heavy downpours?

Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do: consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

What is an updated yellow weather warning?

The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.

A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.

An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.

A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.

The Yellow weather alert for rain will remain in place until 9am on Monday.