The Met Office has issued a 30-hour yellow weather warning for the South West, with Somerset expected to face significant impacts from heavy rainfall and strong southerly winds. The warning began at 12pm on Tuesday, November 11, and remains in effect until 6pm on Wednesday, November 12.
Officials caution that the combination of relentless rain and gusty winds will create challenging driving conditions and increase the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. While the wind is expected to ease by Tuesday evening, persistent heavy rain is forecast to continue overnight and throughout much of Wednesday.
Rainfall totals could reach 60 to 80 millimeters in the wettest locations, raising concerns for local flooding and disruption. In response, the Met Office has upgraded the initial rain warning to include wind due to the strong gusts that have already affected southern coastal regions and elevated terrain.
A Met Office spokesperson urged residents to assess flood risks to their properties and prepare accordingly by establishing flood plans and assembling emergency kits. They also recommended checking road conditions and public transport schedules to avoid delays, and adjusting travel plans if necessary.
Somerset joins several other regions across the UK under similar yellow weather warnings. Additionally, the Met Office forecasts snowfall later this week and toward the month’s end, signaling changing weather conditions nationwide.