When will the heavens really open?
According to the Met Office forecast, heavy rain is expected at mid-morning tomorrow.
This map shows the potential for up to 16-32mm to fall within one hour in parts of Devon and Somerset.
Somerset live weather updates: ’24-hour deluge’ looms with flood alerts already activated
More downpours could arrive in Somerset within a few hours after heavy rain disrupted Somerset on Sunday (September 17).
A thunderstorm warning was upgraded to orange for parts of Devon and west Somerset on Sunday, closing airports, delaying public transport and leaving communities isolated. Butlin’s Resort has been closed after the resort was left flooded by some of the worst rainfall parts of west Somerset have seen since the 1960s, but more rain is expected today and tomorrow (September 20). Flood alerts also remain in force near Taunton.
Read more: Somerset School closes 22 classrooms amid structural safety concerns
Read more: Butlin’s Minehead announces surprise closure due to ‘exceptional’ weather.
The Met Office states in its five-day forecast for the South West: “Cloudy morning with rain but becoming somewhat drier by the afternoon with a few showers and some brighter breaks. Remaining windy with a risk of coastal storms.
“The weather remains cloudy and windy through most of the evening, with cloud thick enough for light rain or drizzle to fall. By dawn, heavy rain is approaching from the northwest.”
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08:40Dave Shepherd
08:34Dave Shepherd
Met Office five-day forecast for the South West
today: Cloudy morning with rain then becoming somewhat drier by the afternoon with a few showers and some brighter breaks. Stay windy with risk of coastal storms. Maximum temperature 19°C.
Tonight: The weather remains cloudy and windy for most of the evening, with the appearance of dense clouds sufficient for light rain or drizzle to fall. By dawn, more heavy rain is approaching from the northwest. Mild night. Minimum temperature 14°C.
Wednesday: The wet and windy weather begins with a band of heavy rain moving towards the southeast during the morning. It becomes drier and brighter by the afternoon with a few showers. The winds calm down later. Maximum temperature 19°C.
Forecast from Thursday to Saturday: The weather is often volatile with sunshine and occasional rain, sometimes heavy and thundery. Drier on Saturday with sunny spells. Continuing stormy winds, especially along the coasts, and feeling cold.
08:33Dave Shepherd
When will the rain come in Somerset?
According to the Met Office rain map, the rain is expected to move eastwards and is expected to reach Somerset by 9.30am.
08:30The main event
Fallen tree
The B3115 Hayeswood Road is closed in both directions, due to heavy traffic due to a fallen tree from the A39 New Road (Farmborough) to Priors Hill (Timsbury).
08:29Dave Shepherd
Urging people to ‘prepare’
A flood warning remains in place for Somerset where residents have been urged to “prepare”. It comes as the province braces for another torrential downpour tomorrow (September 20) following flash flooding on Sunday.
The warning, issued by the Environment Agency, is in place for the Lower Taunton and Barrett Moors, north-east of Taunton, and states that flooding is possible. People are warned to avoid low-lying footpaths and flood-prone areas.
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