Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: South West England

Start time estimate: Friday 7pm

End time estimate: Saturday 10am

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain alert for South West England for Friday and Saturday.

Heavy downpours is forecast for the region, expected to start at approximately 7pm on Friday and continuing until Saturday at 10am.

The Yellow warning for rain was issued at 10:55am on Thursday, April 17.

A Met Office forecast said: “Rain developing early Friday becomes heavier and more persistent later on Friday and persists into Saturday before easing from Saturday late morning. 20 to 40 mm of rain is likely to build up widely by Saturday morning and 50 to 75 mm rain is likely over and near areas of higher ground, especially Dartmoor. Conditions will also be quite windy.”

What to expect

Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; Some interruption to power supplies and other services possible; Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.

What should you do during intense showers?

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 a 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 effect until 10am on Saturday.