Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: South West England

Start time estimate: Tuesday 1pm

End time estimate: Wednesday 7pm

The Met Office has announced a Yellow rain alert for South West England for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The region will be lashed by heavy downpours, which is forecast to start pouring on Tuesday at around 1pm before clearing on Wednesday 7pm.

The Yellow alert for rain was announced at 11:29am on Monday, November 10.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of light rain on Tuesday morning are expected to turn heavier and more persistent during Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by a strengthening southerly wind; gusts exceeding gale force are possible along exposed south facing coastal districts and over hills. Although wind and rain will likely ease later Tuesday evening, further pulses of persistent and/or heavy rain could continue overnight and through much of Wednesday as the associated weather system becomes slow moving. 20-40 mm is likely fairly widely, with 60-80 mm building up in the wettest spots, these most likely but not exclusively on the south facing slopes of the moors. Given recent wet weather, and saturated ground in places, this could lead to flooding in a few spots. More generally, difficult driving conditions are likely for the Tuesday evening commute in particular, with delays due to slow traffic and the increased possibility of accidents.”

What to expect

Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves; Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible; Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges is possible; Some isolated short term loss of power and other services is possible.

What should you do during heavy 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.

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 7pm on Wednesday.