Tree down in Brixham after weekend washout
SOUTH Devon faced the risk of more rain and high winds today after a Sunday washout which prompted a spate of flood warnings.
A tree came down at St Mary's Hill in Brixham yesterday, landing across a wall and narrowly missing a car.
Torquay seafront was closed to traffic yesterday as heavy waves pounded the sea wall.
Heavy rain caused major travel disruption, with some London trains suspended.
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Flooding near Exeter and Tiverton affected South West Trains, Cross Country and First Great Western services.
With more than half a month's rain falling across parts of the region in a 24-hour period, drivers have been warned of hazardous road conditions.
The Met Office said conditions are expected to improve later.
It currently has an amber weather warning in force until 4pm, while the Environment Agency has issued a number of flood warnings and alerts on rivers.
Communities across the Westcountry were last night urged to "be prepared" as the Environment Agency issued dozens of flood alerts.
The Met Office is forecasting up to three inches (80mm) of rain for parts of the South West, as well as South East, Midlands and North East, over the next 48 hours.
Amber warnings are in place until 4pm today.
The Environment Agency has already put out several flood alerts, and said further warnings are likely to be issued for river and surface water flooding elsewhere.
"We are expecting heavy rain in the South West in the next couple of days and this might lead to some flooding," Nick Moore, from the Environment Agency, said.
"We strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings, keep a close eye on local weather forecasts and be prepared for the possibility of flooding.
"We also ask that people stay safe, by staying away from swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater. The Environment Agency already has teams out on the ground checking on flood defences and clearing any blockages in order to reduce the risk of flooding as much as possible."
The agency warned the weather could cause significant disruption, including disruption to travel and flooding of properties and communities.
Strong winds, it said, would increase the risk of flooding with wind-blown debris potentially blocking watercourses and drains.
Yesterday afternoon flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, were issued for the rivers Yealm, Plym, Lynher, Looe, Seaton, Tavy and Fowey. They were also issued for the Lower Tamar and rivers Torridge, Clyst, Culm, Otter, Sid, Exe, Axe, Dart and the South Devon coast.
The Environment Agency said it was likely that more serious flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected, would be issued over the next three days.
At lunchtime yesterday the Met Office issued its own "amber" warning for rain up to 9am today. "Periods of heavy rain, including some torrential downpours, are likely to occur across parts of South West and central southern England during Sunday evening and the first part of Monday," it said.
"This will be in addition to the rain which will have fallen during the day on Sunday, such that the public should be prepared for an increased risk of both surface water and river flooding during this period."
Flood Line is on 0845 988 1188.
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