Heavy rain is set to lash the South West this week and bring the risk of flooding to homes and businesses.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for all of Wednesday and into the early hours of Thursday.
It covers Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire as well as much of southern England.
Forecasters say spells of heavy rain could lead to travel disruption and flooding in places.
Update: A fresh weather warning has since been issued, details here
The Environment Agency has also raised the alarm over possible flooding in parts of England.
Dave Throup, Environment Agency manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said on twitter: “Firming up on potential for significant flooding for many parts of England and Wales this week.
"Over 48 hours of rainfall currently being forecast for some areas.”
What Met Office says we should expect:
- Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely on Wednesday into Thursday
- Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
- Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
- Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely
The chief forecaster said: “Occasional heavy rain is expected to affect the region. on Wednesday and Wednesday night.
“The heaviest and most persistent rain is likely to be across the higher ground in the Southwest. 20-50 mm of rain is expected to fall widely across the warning area, with 50-80 mm over the Moors in the Southwest.
“Some stronger winds may also accompany the rainfall and may add to travelling difficulties across areas higher and more exposed routes.”
Ahead of the weather warning from 12.01am on Wednesday to 3am on Thursday, the Met Office is also warning of heavy rain in the UK on Monday.
Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong, said: “A wide area of rainfall will move across central parts of the UK on Monday evening and bring heavy rain for the following 36-48 hours.
“The rain will be heaviest across western facing hills, in particular parts of the southern Pennines and northern Peak District where we could see up to 120mm over the course of the warning period with 40-70mm of rain widely across the whole Amber area.
“Heavy rain will impact the whole of England and Wales by Wednesday with Yellow warnings for rain in force. By Thursday 100-150mm of rain could fall over high ground in Wales and Northern England. As well as rainfall, rapid snow melt will add to these accumulations, adding 5-10mm in the worst affected areas. These amounts of rainfall along with snow melt present a real threat of flooding."
South West forecast this week
Today:
A dry start with bright spells during the morning. Outbreaks of rain are expected in the afternoon, interspersed by dry intervals. Winds increasing, especially along coastal areas in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
Tonight:
Outbreaks of rain will bring heavy downpours across the region, although some dry spells are expected at times. Strong winds, particularly along the coast. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
Tuesday:
Briefly dry during the morning before further rain moves in from the west. Windy with coastal gales. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Persistent and heavy rain on Wednesday. Still windy with possible gales along coasts. Colder and drier conditions on Thursday and Friday with lighter winds, but showers are still likely.
