The Met Office has issued fresh yellow weather warnings for rain across Devon and Cornwall, following the significant flooding caused by Storm Chandra earlier in the week.
Warnings in Place for Multiple Days
A yellow warning is active from midday on 2 February until 9am the following day, with an additional alert spanning from Friday until 6am on Saturday. Forecasters have highlighted a small but concerning chance of homes and businesses flooding, with deep floodwater posing a genuine danger to life in affected areas.
Forecaster's Caution on Rainfall Impact
Met Office Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks noted that while the expected rainfall totals are not comparable to the intense downpours brought by Storm Chandra, accumulations of up to 25mm daily could still cause significant disruption and further flooding. This persistent wet weather threatens to exacerbate existing issues from the recent storm, potentially overwhelming drainage systems and riverbanks.
Coastal Dangers from Powerful Waves
In a related development, the RNLI has issued a stark warning for people near the coast in Devon and Cornwall. They caution about potential 15ft waves with a long swell period, which could surge unexpectedly and sweep individuals into the sea. This adds a layer of coastal hazard to the inland flooding risks, urging extreme caution for residents and visitors alike.
The combination of ongoing rainfall and powerful coastal conditions underscores the need for vigilance in these regions as they recover from Storm Chandra's initial impact.
