ALERT: Heavy rain warning for Devon as South West faces flooding and travel disruption

Exeter is expected to face disruption this weekend after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain across the South West on Saturday, with a second warning already in place for Monday. 

Rainfall is forecast to develop across the region on Friday night before spreading northeast through Saturday. 

Although the precise track of the heaviest rain remains uncertain, Exeter could see 20–30mm falling widely, with higher totals possible if more persistent bands pass over the city.

The warning indicates a likelihood of difficult travel conditions, with spray and surface water expected to slow journey times on major routes in and around Exeter. 

Bus and rail services may also be affected, with a risk of delays and cancellations where flooding occurs. 

There is also a chance that homes and businesses could experience flooding, and a smaller possibility that some areas may become temporarily cut off if roads become impassable. 

Power outages remain a low but possible risk.

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Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said there is a clear signal for strong winds and periods of heavy rain associated with a developing low-pressure system moving across southern and central parts of the UK. 

He warned that surface water flooding and disruption to road and rail travel are possible. Rain is expected to push north on Saturday and could fall as snow over higher ground where it meets colder air moving in from the north.

Conditions are forecast to improve on Sunday, with clearer but colder weather across much of the country and frost expected overnight into Monday. 

However, another Atlantic system is due to arrive at the start of the week, bringing further heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for renewed disruption. Gale-force gusts are likely along exposed coasts.

The unsettled weather is being driven by a strong jet stream steering a succession of low-pressure systems across the UK. This pattern is bringing moist, mild air from the Atlantic into contact with colder northern air, increasing the likelihood of heavy rain, strong winds and, in higher areas, snowfall.

Residents in Exeter are advised to monitor the forecast closely, take care when travelling and avoid driving through floodwater. Those living in areas prone to flooding are encouraged to be prepared for possible disruption as conditions develop over the weekend. The Met Office will continue to update forecasts as new information becomes available.