Warnings As Flooding Brings Travel Disruption

Dozens of schools have closed, some roads are deemed impassable and stranded drivers have abandoned their cars after flooding in southwest England.

Following heavy rain, the Environment Agency has issued around 50 flood warnings for the region, where flooding is expected, as well as a similar number of less serious flood alerts, where flooding is possible.

There were also about a dozen flood warnings and 30 alerts in the Midlands.

At least 12 schools in Devon were closed and 17 were shut in Somerset, two of the worst-hit counties.

A statement from North Curry C of E Primary School, east of Taunton in Somerset, said: "The village and roads leading in are flooded and only a couple of staff members can get in.

"Also, parents cannot get the children through the floods. It is treacherous and the rain shows no sign of easing."

Devon and Cornwall Police said there had been a number of reports of standing water on roads, creating a risk of drivers aquaplaning and potentially losing control of their vehicles.

By 4pm today, the AA attended more than 8,000 breakdowns nationally - 37% busier than normal - including 499 floodwater-related call-outs.

Heavy downpours have already hit parts of central, southern and southwest England, and southeast Wales, this week, while strong winds have battered parts of the country.

There are warnings of more heavy downpours on the way

It is feared that this could increase the risk of surface water flooding as wind-blown leaves and debris could block drains, the Environment Agency warned.

Earlier this week, more than 100 residents were evacuated from their homes and transport links were cut off after persistent heavy rain caused flooding in Scotland.

The highest rainfall overnight was on Dartmoor, Devon, with 33mm in 12 hours.

Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock said: "The heaviest bursts of rain will be across the West Country and western parts of the Midlands. Here we could see the risk of localised flooding with up to two inches of rainfall in a few hours."

Forecasters have said there was likely to be a temporary reprieve later in the day but warned that further downpours are likely as the week progresses.

There is a weather warning for Thursday for southwestern England and southeast Wales, with a band of rain coming through of 20-50mm and up to 60mm in the worst-hit areas, and winds with gusts of up to 50-60mph.

A weather warning for heavy rain and strong and gusty winds is in place for western Scotland on Thursday, with warnings of possible flooding.

Forecasters said a mixture of sunshine and showers are predicted for Friday, with heavy rain from the south from later on Saturday into Sunday.

Bob Wilderspin, Met Office chief forecaster, said: "The current unsettled spell of weather is set to continue with further spells of heavy rain expected across the country over the next few days.

"A particularly squally day is expected on Thursday as strong to gale force winds combine with heavy rain moving in from the west.

"With winds gusting up to 60 to 70mph in places and 20 to 50mm of rain falling in a short period of time, we urge everyone to keep up to date with forecasts and warnings and be prepared for what the weather will bring."

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