Somerset braced for heavy rain as Met Office issues flooding advice | Somerset Live

Residents have been told to expect possible flooding and disruptions to transport

South West England has been warned that heavy rain could lead to some surface water flooding towards the end of the week.

The Met Office issued a "yellow" weather warning for rain for Thursday, January 15, from 9am until 11.59pm. The region covers parts of south England and Wales.

Areas affected by rain include: Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Torbay and Wiltshire.

Residents affected by the warning have been warned of "heavy rain falling on saturated ground may lead to some surface water flooding on Thursday".

They have been told to expect possible flooding, disruptions to bus and train services and spray and flooding on roads, possibly making journey times longer.

"A deepening area of low pressure will migrate northeastwards across England and Wales on Thursday. Whilst the exact track is uncertain, rain will become persistent and heavy through the day, before clearing to the north through the evening and night," the Met Office said.

The forecaster said accumulations of 20-40 mm of rain are expected fairly widely, falling in just a few hours in some places.

A few isolated spots could see 40-70 mm accumulations and this most likely across parts of the southwest England.

"Given the saturated ground, this may lead to some surface water flooding," the Met Office said.

The forecaster has given the following tips to deal with the warning: check if your property could be at risk of flooding and consider a flood plan and an emergency flood kit, check travel conditions and amend plans if necessary.

The Met Office also said it is a good idea to prepare for power cuts by gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area," the forecaster said.