Heavy rain and thunderstorms warning
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Devon.
Forecasters say heavy downpours and thunderstorms may affect eastern parts of the region this evening.
More persistent and at times heavy rain will develop across Devon overnight and at times during Sunday, clearing northwards during the early afternoon.
The public should be aware that flooding may result from either short-period intense rainfall this evening, or more persistent heavy rain thereafter. This warning may be updated as further information becomes available.
A chief forecaster at the Exeter-based agency said: “Following heavy rain in the west of the area on Saturday morning, thundery showers are expected to extend north from France to affect the east of the area this evening.
“The rain will then become more persistent and often heavy overnight and during Sunday morning, as an area of low pressure develops and causes the frontal band to pivot close to southwest England.
“Some parts of the warning area could receive 30-60 mm of rain through the period, which will include some localised downpours which could produce 15-20 mm within an hour.”
The warning is valid until 1pm tomorrow (Sunday).
Nick Hopwood, national duty flood manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Heavy rainfall on Saturday evening and into Sunday brings the risk of surface water flooding to some areas. Rivers may also respond to persistent rainfall on Sunday through to Monday. If you're driving away or back from your summer holidays, as always, please do not drive through flood water.
"Check your flood risk on our website, especially if you're holidaying in an area where you're not familiar with the flood risk. We are monitoring the situation closely and supporting local authorities who will respond to any reports of surface water flooding. Our teams are out on the ground working hard, clearing trash screens and blockages in watercourses and culverts."
The changeable weather will continue as we head into next week – here is the five day regional forecast:
This Evening and Tonight:
Heavy rain will continue across many western parts with the risk of thunderstorms and hail developing across central and eastern areas this evening. These will push into Scotland and Northern Ireland tonight. Clearer skies in the southeast but muggy.
Sunday:
Rain at first over western Scotland and Northern Ireland will quickly clear west. Rain, heavy at times over the southwest will spread north through the day. Sunnier in the north.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Unsettled throughout and windy at times with showers or longer spells of rain and a few brighter interludes. Southern parts likely to see the heaviest and most prolonged rainfall.
