Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: South West England

Start time estimate: Tuesday 1pm

End time estimate: Wednesday 12am

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

Heavy rain is predicted to hit the region, approaching the area on Tuesday at around 1pm and lasting until Wednesday 12am.

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

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain arriving from the west during Tuesday morning will turn heavier and more persistent during Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by a strengthening southerly wind with gales developing in places. 20-40 mm is likely fairly widely, with 50-70 mm building up in the wettest spots, these most likely but not exclusively on the south facing slopes of the moors. Rainfall may continue into Wednesday, although details become increasingly low confidence; this warning may be extended tomorrow or a fresh warning issued for early Wednesday should confidence in a wetter scenario increase. 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 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; Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.

What should you do during persistent 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 12am on Wednesday.