Weather warnings extend into weekend in South West
Jordan LangridgeTwo weather warnings for rain have been issued in south-west England as more disruption is forecast for the region.
The first, covering areas of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire, began at midday on Thursday and is in place until 23:59 GMT, with the second due to begin at 09:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday.
During the second warning, the Met Office said further rainfall could cause travel issues in Devon and Cornwall along with buildings facing the prospect of being flooded.
It follows the region being battered by Storm Ingrid on Saturday and Storm Chandra on Monday and Tuesday, which forced schools, businesses and pubs to close due to flooding.
Met OfficeThe Met Office said rain on Thursday could "exacerbate flooding in places" following the recent storms.
It said a band of rain would then arrive across Cornwall on Friday morning and move north eastwards across the warning area through the evening before clearing early on Saturday.
It said the rain would become "heavy at times" on Friday and 10 to 20mm (0.4 to 0.8 inches) was likely, with up to 30mm (1.2 inches) possible over the moors and west Cornwall.
The forecaster warned further rainfall on already saturated ground could lead to flooding and disruption, with strong winds also likely in places.
Sea swells warning
Flood warnings and alerts have also been issued by the Environment Agency.
They include the A361 East Lyng to Burrowbridge, River Parrett, Washford River, Salt Moor and North Moor, the River Fowey, Helford and Fal Rivers and North Cornwall Rivers.
The RNLI has also issued a warning to people living in coastal areas about sea swells.
The lifeboat service said potential waves of up to 15ft (4.5m) could cause sudden surges up beaches on Friday, and top over sea fronts and harbour walls, catching people unaware.
It advised people to stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could "knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea".
