Severe rainfall is bringing a risk of flooding and a “danger to life” across parts of South West England and Wales today, with forecasters warning that saturated ground and persistent downpours could lead to rapidly deteriorating conditions throughout Monday.
The Met Office has issued yellow rain warnings for the whole of South West England — including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset — in place until 9pm on Monday. The warning highlights the possibility of flooding to homes and businesses, hazardous driving conditions, and significant travel disruption.
Although the most serious amber warning covers neighbouring South Wales, the Met Office stresses that the weather system is large enough to bring prolonged heavy rain and strong winds to the South West as well.
Dorset: risk of flooding and travel delays
Dorset is expected to experience persistent heavy rain throughout the day, with the potential for:
- Surface water flooding, particularly on rural lanes and poorly drained roads
- Rising river levels across the county’s smaller catchments
- Disruption on key routes, including the A35, A37 and A31
- Coastal impacts, with strong south-westerly winds adding hazards around Weymouth, Lyme Regis and along the Jurassic Coast
The combination of heavy rain and saturated ground has raised concerns about localised landslips, especially along steep coastal sections and hilly inland areas.
Environment Agency flood alerts are in force across parts of Dorset, particularly where river levels remain high following a wetter-than-average month. Officials warn that even modest additional rainfall could trigger rapid flooding.
A month’s worth of rain in places
South West England is expected to see 20–40mm of rain quite widely, with up to 80mm possible on higher ground — enough to prompt flooding given the region’s already sodden landscape.
Across England and Wales, rainfall this month has reached 143% of the normal total, and Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said that “all areas have seen above normal rainfall”.
Strong winds and power cut risks
Alongside the heavy rain, strong south to south-westerly winds will affect exposed parts of the South West, with coastal gales possible. Forecasters warn of potential power cuts, fallen trees and difficult driving conditions, especially on high routes such as Dartmoor and Exmoor, and across Dorset’s hillier roads.
Wider UK picture
While the South West and Dorset face widespread disruption, South Wales remains under an amber warning with rainfall totals potentially reaching 120mm. Scotland is also dealing with heavy rain until late evening, though conditions are expected to improve later on Monday.
Officials across the UK warn that communities could become isolated by floodwater and urge people to check for local flood alerts and avoid attempting to drive through deep water.
