Met Office warning extended as heavy rain thrashes region

Forecasters have warned of flooding

The Met Office has extended the current yellow weather warning for heavy rain. It is now in place until 9pm tonight (Wednesday, October 16) and forecasters have warned of potential flooding and travel disruption.

The warning covers Bristol, Somerset, Devon and parts of Cornwall and Gloucestershire. It began at 6pm yesterday and was initially in place until 12pm today.

The Met Office has warned of "spells of heavy rain" throughout the evening. There is a chance of power cuts, flooding and road closures across the region.

Forecasters have warned what to expect during the warning:

• There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
• There is a small chance that some communities will be temporarily cut off by flooded roads
• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
• Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

Met Office 5-day forecast for the South West

Today: Heavy rain spreads slowly north-eastwards through the morning, with drier spells to follow for a time, but remaining rather cloudy. Further showers spill northwards from the south coast through this afternoon, with light winds resulting in heavy and prolonged downpours. Maximum temperature 19 °C.

Tonight: Scattered showers, heavy at times, linger this evening, before clearing east overnight. Still cloudy with widespread mist and fog forming in rural parts, though some clear skies developing by dawn. Minimum temperature 13 °C.

Thursday: Generally more settled with a mixture of sunny spells in the east and scattered light showers in the west. Winds remaining light, and feeling warm in any sunshine. Maximum temperature 17 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Becoming cloudy and breezy on Friday, with heavy rain spreading eastwards overnight. Rain clearing on Saturday with light winds and further sunny spells, although turning wet once more on Sunday.