Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: South West England, Wales

Start time estimate: Monday 6pm

End time estimate: Tuesday 2pm

The Met Office has announced a Yellow rain warning for South West England and Wales for Monday and Tuesday. All local areas affected are listed below.

Intense showers are predicted to affect the regions, arriving across the areas on Monday at around 6pm and persisting until Tuesday 2pm.

The Yellow warning for rain was issued at 10:48am on Saturday, January 24.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, will affect southwest England and southern Wales from Monday evening, through Tuesday morning before clearing to heavy showers later in the day. Rainfall totals are expected to reach 20-30 mm widely, with 50-80 mm likely across higher ground, especially Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). With wet conditions prior to this period, the rain will fall onto saturated ground, accentuating flooding impacts in places. Strong southeasterly winds are also likely.”

What to expect

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services; Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads.

What should you do during intense rain?

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.

Full list of local areas affected

South West England
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay

Wales
Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan

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 place until 2pm on Tuesday.