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Flooding 'expected' in South West as rain forecast

George ThorpeSouth West
News imageDevon and Somerset Fire Service Three vehicles - two vans and a Range Rover - are half submerged in floodwater in Axminster, Devon, during Storm Chandra. The two vans have their lights on. The photo was taken during the early hours of the morning. Several trees and a house are in the background.Devon and Somerset Fire Service
A number of areas of Devon and Cornwall were affected by flooding during storms Ingrid and Chandra

Several flood warnings and alerts have been issued across south-west England ahead of forecast heavy rain.

The Environment Agency (EA) said flooding was "expected" from Tuesday to Thursday for the Tidal Fal Estuary, and along the south coast from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head and Rame Head to Gribbin Head in Cornwall.

The EA also issued a warning covering Plymouth Sound, Wembury Bay and tidal estuaries, along with a number of lower-level alerts across Devon and Cornwall.

A Met Office weather warning for rain is due to be active from 18:00 GMT on Monday until 21:00 on Tuesday, with flooding and transport disruption forecast.

'Activate flood protection'

In its four warnings for Devon and Cornwall, the EA said high tides were expected to cause flooding.

It added: "We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Avoid coastal roads, footpaths and car parks, which may be flooded and activate any flood protection products you may have."

Flood alerts, which said flooding was "possible", have been issued in the following locations:

  • South Cornwall coast from Land's End to Lizard Point
  • West Cornwall rivers
  • River Cober
  • Tidal Fal Estuary
  • South Devon rivers
  • South Devon coast from Start Point to Dawlish Warren
  • River Dart area
  • River Teign area
  • South Devon estuaries
  • Rivers Clyst, Culm and their estuaries
  • North Devon coast from Hartland Point to Lynmouth

'Remain vigilant'

Flooding caused by storms Ingrid and Chandra led to disruption across the region towards the end of January.

Wind gusts of 99mph (159km/h) also led to problems earlier in the month as Storm Goretti brought down trees and caused power cuts.

A man was killed during the storm when a tree fell on his caravan in the Mawgan area of Helston.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said at about 16:00 on Monday the county had been experiencing "significant tidal flooding" across multiple locations.

"We urge all residents and visitors to remain vigilant and to take extra precautions when travelling," a spokesperson added.

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