Flood alerts cover most of the peninsula

Thirteen river systems in Devon and Cornwall were on flood alert last night, with more rain due in the early hours today.

Only west and south Cornwall and parts of north and mid Devon were excluded by the Environment Agency from the notices, which mean people should be prepared for possible flooding.

One area of concern is the Teign, which was the subject of an urgent flood warning – meaning immediate action required – on Thursday evening.

A spokesman for the agency said: “Low lying land and roads close to rivers are likely to be flooded.

“Flood water still poses a significant risk.”

However one farmer whose land borders the Teign and was contacted by the agency on Thursday with a warning that any livestock ought to be moved, told the Western Morning News that she was used to the situation.

“We always have an eye on the weather. No farmer would have animals out on land like that if there was any danger of a flood,” said the farmer who asked not to be named.

The Met Office says this afternoon will be dry but the respite will be brief as more rain arrives this evening.