Weather warning of more rain for Devon

The Met Office has issued another severe weather warning for Devon as heavy rain is set to return on New Year’s Day.

Forecasters say an area of low pressure will bring spells of persistent and at times heavy rain through Friday and Saturday before weakening.

Following a brief respite on Saturday night, a further frontal system will bring more rain to these same areas through Sunday morning before clearing away northeastwards during Sunday afternoon.

There could be some local disruption from surface water and river flooding looks likely.

The Exeter-based agency’s chief forecaster said: “The first low pressure system arriving on Friday is expected to bring 10-20mm of rain widely across the warning area, with 20-40mm expected on hills especially those exposed to the southeasterly wind.

“Up to around 50mm is possible on the highest parts of Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons. This system is expected to clear during Friday evening but will be followed by scattered and possibly heavy showers.

“The second system arriving early Sunday is expected to bring similar amounts again before it clears during Sunday afternoon, to be followed once more by scattered and locally heavy showers.

“While these amounts of rain wouldn't usually lead to many impacts, given the saturated nature of the ground there is a greater risk of localised surface water flooding that might normally be expected. Some rivers within the area also remain high.”

The Met Office’s five day regional forecast is as follows:

Today:
Some early showers should ease this morning. A band of more organised, heavy and perhaps thundery showers will then spread from the west around lunchtime. It will turn windy again and colder than of late. Maximum Temperature 11°C.

Tonight:
Any lingering showers will die out this evening to leave a largely dry and generally clear night. It will turn markedly colder than recent nights with frost likely. Minimum Temperature -1°C.

Friday:
New Year's Day is set to start bright but cold. Cloud with outbreaks of rain will spread from the southwest through the day. Maximum Temperature 11°C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Saturday will be windy with some rain. Further wind and rain, heavy at times, will move eastwards on Sunday. Monday should be drier but cloudy with some showers. Relatively mild.