South West on alert as Storm Christoph moves in
A yellow weather warning is in force for 36 hours from midnight on Wednesday (January 20th)
Last updated 19th Jan 2021
The South West of England has been told to brace itself for more than a day's worth of wet weather with the arrival of Storm Cristoph.
A yellow weather warning for rain, issued by the Met Office, comes into effect at midnight on Wednesday and lasts until 12pm on Thursday.
The severe weather alert covers the whole of the county and much of the South East, South West and East of England.
Separate alerts are already in place for the Midlands, Northern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
Up to 50mm of rain is currently forecast to fall across the South across Wednesday and Thursday, although that total may reach as much as 100mm in parts of the South West.
In addition, those living along the coast and near to rivers are being told to prepare for possible flooding.
Travel disruption is also likely for those who need to make essential journeys by car, bus or train.
What can we expect?
Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely
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
Here's what the Met Office is saying:
"Occasional heavy rain is expected to affect the region from Wednesday onwards into early Thursday as Storm Christoph affects the UK.
"The heaviest and most persistent rain is likely to be across the higher ground in the southwest. 20-30 mm of rain is expected to fall widely across the warning area with areas of 40-50 mm most likely in southwest England and along the south coast towards Hampshire.
"75-100 mm is also likely over the moors in the southwest.
"Some stronger winds may also accompany the rainfall and may add to travelling difficulties across higher and more exposed routes."