Western Morning News (Saturday)
Torrential rain prompts Westcountry flood alerts
HEAVY downpours swamped fields, flooded roads and prompted river flood alerts as a band of driving rain swept the Westcountry yesterday.
The Met Office issued an amber weather warning, advising of an increased risk to property and life, for parts of Devon and Cornwall yesterday as rain fell onto already saturated ground.
A number of flood warnings were also issued by the Environment Agency as river levels rose, including for sections of the River Lynher, River Lyd, River Dart, River Teign and River Okement.
PROLONGED downpours swamped fields and flooded roads across the Westcountry as a band of heavy rain swept the region yesterday.
The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for parts of Devon and Cornwall yesterday as driving rain fell onto already saturated ground.
A number of flood warnings were also issued by the Environment Agency as river levels rose, including for sections of the River Lynher, River Lyd, River Dart, River Teign and River Okement.
An amber weather warning is issued when there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather including a potential risk to life and property, and it covered the north of Plymouth, Ivybridge, Launceston, Ashburton, Chudleigh, Chagford, North Tawton, Camelford, Liskeard and Callington. The warning was in force until midnight last night.
The Met Office advised that people should “think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property”.
All of Devon and Cornwall, excluding the area covered by the amber weather warning, were covered by a yellow weather warning for rain which remained in force until 3am this morning.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said “40-60mm of rain is expected quite widely over high ground within the warning area. A few places, across Dartmoor in particular, are likely to see 80-100mm with much of this falling in around 9-12 hours before clearing eastwards.
“This is likely to cause flooding and disruption to transport.”
Issuing a flood warning for the River Lynher in Cornwall, the Environment Agency said yesterday: “Heavy and intense rain in the area has caused river levels at Bastreet and Pillaton to rise rapidly.
“A further 30-50mm of rain is forecast for this evening with flooding expected from late this afternoon.
“The river will continue to rise into the early hours of Saturday morning when levels are likely to peak. Properties and low lying areas will start to flood first.
“The A390 at Notter Bridge may also be at risk.”
Regarding the section of the River Lyd between Sydenham and Lifton it said yesterday afternoon that flooding was expected, adding: “Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings. Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions.”
And of the River Teign, from Chudleigh to Kingsteignton, the Environment Agency said: “River levels will be at their highest between 11.15pm Friday and 3.15am Saturday. Flood waters may be deep and fast flowing in these areas.”
The rain was forecast to clear today, but driving conditions may still be treacherous due to road flooding and run-off from fields.