Yellow Weather Warning issued for Exeter as heavy rain brings flooding and travel disruption risk

Exeter residents are being urged to prepare for potential flooding and travel disruption after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain on Monday 2 February and Tuesday 3 February.

The warning, which covers Exeter and the wider South West, comes into force at midday on Monday and remains in place until 9am on Tuesday. 

Forecasters say further spells of persistent rain could cause problems, particularly as ground across the region is already saturated following weeks of unsettled weather.

According to the Met Office, outbreaks of rain may become increasingly heavy and prolonged through Monday afternoon and overnight into Tuesday before gradually easing.

While there is some uncertainty about exact totals, meteorologists say 10 to 20mm of rainfall is likely to fall fairly widely across Devon, with higher ground such as Dartmoor potentially seeing as much as 30 to 50mm.

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With rivers and drains already under pressure, that additional rainfall could be enough to trigger localised flooding in and around Exeter.

The warning has been classified as “yellow”, meaning disruption is possible. It carries a very low likelihood but a medium level of potential impact.

The Met Office says there is a small chance that homes and businesses in Exeter could be flooded, causing damage to buildings and property. Fast-flowing or deep floodwater may also present a danger to life in some locations.

Travel disruption is also expected to be a risk. Bus and train services could face delays or cancellations if flooding occurs, while spray and surface water on roads may lead to difficult driving conditions and, in some cases, road closures.

There is also a slight chance that some communities around Exeter could become temporarily cut off by flooded roads, particularly in low-lying areas or rural routes.

Power cuts are another possible knock-on effect, with a small risk that heavy rain could disrupt electricity or other services to homes and businesses.

In its advice to the public, the Met Office is urging residents to plan ahead and take sensible precautions.

People living in areas prone to flooding are advised to check whether their property could be at risk and to consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency kit.

Drivers are being encouraged to check road conditions before setting off, allow extra time for journeys and be ready to change travel plans if necessary. Commuters are also advised to monitor bus and train timetables in case of disruption.

Households are being reminded to prepare for the possibility of power outages by gathering essentials such as torches, spare batteries and mobile phone power packs.

The Met Office has stressed that weather warnings can change quickly and is urging people in Exeter to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any updates to the alert.

The latest warning follows a prolonged period of wet and windy weather across Devon, which has already left many rivers high and fields waterlogged.

Although the impacts are not expected to be as severe as during major storms, forecasters say even moderate rainfall could still cause problems because the ground has little capacity to absorb more water.

Residents can check the most up-to-date information on the Met Office website and should remain alert to any further warnings issued over the coming days.