Devon hit with 'be prepared' flood alerts ahead of thunderstorm warnings
Devon has been hit with flood alerts ahead of a weekend of wind and rain. Forecasters from the Met Office have issued back-to-back yellow thunderstorm warnings over the coming days.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued three flood alerts in Devon. Residents have been urged to "be prepared" as flooding "is possible" across the county.
The first warning is in place for the South Devon Estuaries, which includes Erme, Avon, Kingsbridge, Dart, Teign and Exe Estuaries. The flooding is expected to hit low-lying areas and people have been advised to avoid risk areas during high tides on Thursday and Friday evenings.
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The EA has also urged residents to take care next to the coast. Strong winds and heavy rain could lead to spray and flash flooding.
The second alert is in place for the North Devon coast from Hartland Point to Lynmouth. This includes areas around the Taw Torridge estuary.
The EA has advised people to stay away from risk areas including low-lying land and roads. Flooding is expected over the high tide this evening (Thursday, September 19) and tomorrow morning.
A third flood alert is in place for Plymouth Sound, Wembury Bay and tidal estuaries, where here, flooding is possible over the evening high tides on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th September.
Locations particularly at risk include exposed coastal areas of Plymouth Sound including Cawsand, Kingsand and The Hoe, Millbrook, and low lying areas on the Tidal Lynher, Tamar, Tavy, Plym and Yealm estuaries. Do not walk or drive through flood water or waves.
Met Office thunderstorm warnings
The Met Office has issued back-to-back weather warnings covering Devon this weekend. The forecaster has warned of heavy showers, frequent lightning strikes and strong winds tomorrow and Saturday.
There first yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in place from midday until 8pm tomorrow, Friday, September 20. A second thunderstorm warning is in place from 1am until 23.59pm on Saturday, September 21.