Environment Agency issues Devon flood alerts

Flood alerts across Devon have been issued by the Environment Agency

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued a number of flood alerts across Devon.

As well as a Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds on Thursday, flood alerts have been issued by the EA which cover the River Clyst, Broadclyst and Clyst St Mary.

The EA said flood waters may be deep and fast-flowing in areas and "residents are strongly urged to take action now".

It added it was "constantly monitoring river levels".

'Take care'

The EA said heavy rainfall overnight and throughout Thursday morning in the Mid Devon Rivers area had caused "water levels in the areas to rise".

"Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions," said the EA.

The Met Office issued a weather warning for Thursday from 07:00 GMT to 23:59 for strong winds that "may lead to hazardous conditions and bring some disruption".

BBC Devon weather presenter Dan Downs said he recorded wind speeds of up to 60mph (97km/h) on the south coast at Berry Head in Devon.

Flood warnings

• South Cornwall coast from Ramer Head to Plymouth, including tidal estuaries

• South Devon coast from Start Point to Dawlish Warren

• River Dart area

• River Teign area

• South Devon coast from Dawlish Warren to Seaton

• River Otter and Sid and Exmouth area

• River Clyst and Culm and their tributaries

• Mid Devon Rivers

• North Dartmoor Rivers

• River Axe

BBC Spotlight's senior meteorologist, David Braine, explained Plymouth had received 181mm of rain since the start of March.

He said it equalled the previous wet March of 1964, and records went back to 1931.

The average rainfall for March for Plymouth is about 76mm, said Mr Braine.

He added it was the wettest March ever recorded in the city.