South West England is set to experience heavy rainfall later this week, prompting the Met Office to issue a “yellow” weather warning for rain on Thursday, January 15, from 9am to 11:59pm. This alert covers a wide area, including key locations such as Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Torbay, and Wiltshire.
The Met Office has cautioned that sustained heavy rain falling on already saturated ground could cause surface water flooding across the region. Residents should anticipate potential disruptions, including flooding on roads, spray affecting visibility, and interruptions to bus and train services, which may lead to extended journey times.
A deepening low-pressure system is expected to move northeast across England and Wales on Thursday, bringing persistent and heavy rain throughout the day before clearing from the north in the evening. Rainfall totals are projected to be between 20 and 40 millimeters in many areas within just a few hours, with some isolated spots possibly receiving between 40 and 70 millimeters, predominantly in parts of Southwest England.
READ MORE: Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss New Taunton-Wellington Cycle Route
READ MORE: Complete List of Bus Stops Receiving New Screen Installations in North East Somerset This Month
Given these conditions, people are advised to assess whether their property is at risk and to develop a flood plan. Preparing an emergency flood kit is recommended, along with monitoring travel conditions and adjusting plans as necessary. The Met Office also suggests gathering essentials such as torches, batteries, mobile phone power packs, and other items to prepare for potential power outages.
Since weather warnings can change rapidly, staying informed through local forecasts is crucial. Taking early precautions can help residents minimize the impact of the expected heavy rainfall.