Warning: Amber
To expect: Rain
Affected areas: South West England
Start time estimate: Monday 5pm
End time estimate: Tuesday 9am
The Met Office has announced an Amber rain alert for South West England until Tuesday morning amid Storm Chandra.
Severe rainfall is set to impact the region, beginning at approximately 5pm on Monday and dying out by 9am on Tuesday.
The Amber alert for rain was announced at 10:33am on Monday, January 26.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Chandra will bring persistent rain, heavy at times, later Monday and overnight before steadily clearing northeastwards on Tuesday morning. 30-50 mm rainfall is likely widely, with 60-80 mm across some higher ground, especially south Dartmoor. Falling on saturated ground, this is likely to lead to flooding and disruption, particularly on Tuesday morning. Strong southeasterly winds are also expected.”
What to expect
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 will be cut off by flooded roads; Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely; Landslides are possible in prone locations.
What should you do during significant rainfall?
Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously. It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help. Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch & spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water. Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is an amber 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 Amber weather alert for rain will remain in effect until 9am on Tuesday.