This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20786462

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Warning of heavy rain for southern and south-west England Torrential rain leaves south-west England villages flooded
(about 1 hour later)
People in Devon and Cornwall have been warned to prepare for the possibility of more flooding as heavy rain moves across the South and South West. Six villages in Cornwall have been hit by flooding after torrential rain.
The Met Office has an amber warning for heavy rain over the next 24 hours. Up to 40mm of rain affected properties in St Keverne, Gunwalloe, Gorran Haven, Mevagissey, Polbathic and Altarnun.
Water levels on the River Cober at Helston in Cornwall and the River Wey at Weymouth in Dorset, are rising, according to the Environment Agency. Elsewhere, trains have been cancelled between Bournemouth and Brockenhurst in Hampshire, where a river close to a hotel has burst its banks.
But forecasters believe the heavy rain in the South West will ease later giving way to dry conditions on Friday. The Environment Agency has issued 50 flood alerts in the South West where communities are still clearing up from flood damage in recent weeks.
Devon and Cornwall were badly hit by severe weather at the end of November, flooding hundreds of properties, causing numerous landslips and widespread disruption to transport.Devon and Cornwall were badly hit by severe weather at the end of November, flooding hundreds of properties, causing numerous landslips and widespread disruption to transport.
The Environment Agency has numerous flood alerts and several flood warnings in place, while emergency services including Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue are urging people not to attempt to drive through flood water. People rescued
"It is impossible for motorists to tell how deep water is or the condition of the ground beneath," fire manager Alex Hanson said. However, forecasters believe the latest rain will ease later giving way to dry conditions.
"There is a significant risk to life if motorists become stranded. We recommend that people do not make non-essential journeys tonight or tomorrow morning if they live in areas prone to flooding." In other flooding incidents:
  • Fire crews were also called to a house near Torrington in Devon.
  • Buses are replace trains between Fareham and Eastleigh, said South West Trains, with disruption expected to last for several hours.
  • Fire crews have freed several motorists stuck in rising waters in Hampshire.
  • Just before 01:00, 15 firefighters rescued two people who were inside a van, stranded in Purbrook Ford on Pigeon House Lane, Waterlooville.
  • In Ryde on the Isle of Wight firefighters are pumping away water from the Esplanade.
  • The Lymington River, at Brockenhurst has burst its banks
  • The road and rail network is also disrupted by the floods in Hampshire.
Emergency services are urging people not to attempt to drive through flood water.
"It is impossible for motorists to tell how deep water is or the condition of the ground beneath," Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue manager Alex Hanson said.
"There is a significant risk to life if motorists become stranded. We recommend that people do not make non-essential journeys... if they live in areas prone to flooding."
Craig Woolhouse, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our teams are out around the clock to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding, clearing drainage channels and ensuring that flood defences are working properly.Craig Woolhouse, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our teams are out around the clock to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding, clearing drainage channels and ensuring that flood defences are working properly.
"We urge people to keep up to date with the weather forecast and local news overnight and remain prepared for flooding in their area by signing up to receive free flood warnings and staying away from dangerous flood water.""We urge people to keep up to date with the weather forecast and local news overnight and remain prepared for flooding in their area by signing up to receive free flood warnings and staying away from dangerous flood water."
Have you been affected by the heavy rain? Are you experiencing flooding? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Have you been affected by the heavy rain? Are you experiencing flooding? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions