Rain brings Devon and Cornwall red alert weather warning

The Environment Agency said the weather situation could escalate "quite quickly"

Forecasters have issued a red alert for rain with more than 8cm (3in) of rain predicted in south Devon and south east Cornwall on Friday night.

<link> <caption>The Met Office red warning from midnight on Friday until 18:00 BST on Saturday</caption> <url href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/" platform="highweb"/> </link> comes amid <link> <caption>11 flood alerts on rivers in the South West</caption> <url href="http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx" platform="highweb"/> </link> .

Downpours are expected to cause travel disruption and flooding.

The Environment Agency warned flooding "could escalate quite quickly" and urged people to be alert.

Flood water warning

It encouraged people to check its website, <link> <caption>Twitter feed</caption> <url href="https://twitter.com/EnvAgencySW" platform="highweb"/> </link> and Facebook pages and its flood line service on 0845 9881188 can also provide advice.

The Environment Agency has mobilised teams to operate flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels and issue warnings.

Spokesman Adrian Rushworth said: "We would also ask people to remember to stay away from flood water and do not walk or drive through it, as it is often fast moving and can contain sewage and other debris."

The Environment Agency is also advising local authorities and the emergency services to prepare for flooding.

Devon County Council said it was monitoring weather conditions and had "resources in place to deal with any events if necessary".