Rainfall warnings issued as heavens open

Valid from 5am today until just before midnight today, the MetOffice says a further broad area of heavy, persistent rain will move northwards across southwest England today.

It has issued an 'amber' warning for Devon and Somerset with the chief forecaster saying: "Some 20-30 mm of rain is expected fall in a three to six-hour period in places, and a low risk of this falling in one to two hours.

A yellow be-aware warning is in place in Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Wiltshire.

"There could be as much as 40-60 mm possible locally through the whole of Monday. The ground has been left very wet from Saturday night's rain and this increases the risk of further flooding," said the MetOffice.

"Please be prepared for disruption to transport due to localised flooding, whilst flooding of homes and businesses is also possible."

Although the rain will clear northwards "heavy and possibly thundery showers are likely to follow".

Strong northeasterly winds will also develop for a time giving gusts of 40-50mph.

• Great Western Railway is advising passengers of cancellations this morning after flooding on the line. All lines are closed between Bristol Parkway and Swindon as a result of the bad weather.
   

• Bristol residents were shocked as deep floodwater trapped cars in Whitchurch Lane. Lee Gitsham, 43, said: "There were two drivers who tried to get through but got stuck. It was at wing mirror level so it must have been about two to three foot of water."
  
  An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We had reports of heavy floodwater in Whitchurch Lane. Everyone had been able to get out of their vehicles safely and no-one was trapped."

• The Environmental Department has put up barriers in Bradford on Avon as a preventative measure in case the River Avon rises too much. The only main road affected by flooding in the town reportedly was Church Street on Monday (November 22).