Meteorologists at the Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for rain across parts of southwest England, predicting potential road closures and disruptions for motorists on Monday and Tuesday.
Warning Details and Affected Areas
The alert targets Devon, Cornwall, and sections of Dorset, spanning from Lands End to areas beyond Swanage. Key locations in the impact zone include Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay, and broader regions of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset.
This nearly 24-hour warning activates at 12 p.m. on Monday and extends until 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Officials note a small risk of flooding that could damage homes and businesses, with fast-flowing or deep waters posing dangers to life. Power outages and service interruptions may also occur in affected spots.
Impacts on Travel and Infrastructure
Road users face challenges from spray and flooding, which could create hazardous driving conditions and prompt some closures. There is a slight possibility that flooded roads might isolate certain communities. Train and bus services could experience delays or cancellations, disrupting regional transport.
Experts highlight uncertainty in the forecast but expect persistent rain starting later Monday and continuing overnight, easing by Tuesday. Rainfall totals may reach 10-20 mm across wide areas, with up to 30-50 mm possible over Dartmoor. Saturated ground from prior showers increases the likelihood of localized flooding and related issues.
Safety Tips for Drivers
The RAC advises motorists to prepare for wet conditions by slowing down and maintaining greater distances between vehicles, as stopping distances extend in heavy rain. Using dipped headlights improves visibility for all drivers. Keeping air conditioning running helps prevent windows from fogging up, ensuring clearer views on the road.
