Warning to drivers as torrential rain triggers flash flooding
Multiple flood warnings and alerts remain in force across the West County this morning
Drivers are being urged to take extra care on our roads after torrential overnight - prompting emergency service warnings.
As of 7am on Friday (October 29th), 14 flood warnings and multiple flood alerts were in force in the region, including parts of the River Tamar and River Tavy.
The latest traffic and travel information can be found here
Devon has 14 flood warnings and 25 flood alerts in place, with the county council this morning issuing a statement to warn a 'flood risk and hazardous driving conditions still exist'.
In Somerset there's been flood warnings between Taunton and Yeovil and on Exmoor.
Maer Lane in Exmouth remains impassable due to flooding between Foxholes Hill and West Down Lane.
The Met Office severe weather warning for heavy rain will be in force until 9am on Friday 29th October.
The A38 at Notter Bridge near Saltash was closed for several hours overnight
Inrix Traffic and Travel says the A388 at Callington is now passable after earlier flooding, that affected traffic between Plymouth and Launceston.
What is the flood forecast?
The Flood Information Service alert for the River Tamar stated: "Flooding is expected during the early hours of Friday morning. Take immediate action.
"Heavy rain has fallen over the Tamar catchment with up to 15 mm of further rainfall expected throughout the night. This has caused the River Tamar to rise and the river is forecast to continue rising over the next 2-3 hours.
"Properties and low lying areas around Bradstone Mill, Tutwell, Gunnislake, Morwellham Power Station and Cotehele will start to flood first.
"River levels are expected to remain high throughout the early hours of Friday morning. Flood waters may be deep and fast flowing, and roads could form flow routes.
"Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings. Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions.
"We are monitoring the situation and this message will be updated by midday on Friday or earlier if the situation changes.
"Our staff are out in the area and will relay information and assist the emergency services and council".
What is the advice to drivers?
The RAC says: " Driving in heavy rain and flooding can be hazardous. Breakdown numbers always increase during periods of wet weather as the damp causes problems with engines and electrical systems and it is easy to flood your engine when driving through water, if done so incorrectly.
"If you must drive, there are a handful of steps you can take to reduce your chances of an accident or breakdown in wet weather:
1) Slow down. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front as stopping distances in rain are increased
2) Use dipped headlights so that other drivers can see you more easily
3) Don’t use rear fog lights. They can mask your brake lights and dazzle drivers behind you
4) Look out for large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray which reduces visibility
5) Keep your air conditioning on, as this will stop your windows from misting up - furthermore, you can read our full advice page on how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time
6) Listen out for local news bulletins to keep up-to-date with road closures, flooding and forecasts
7) If you break down in torrential rain keep the bonnet closed while waiting for help to arrive, to avoid the electrical system getting soaked
8) Driving too fast through standing water could lead to tyres losing contact with the road. If your steering suddenly feels light you could be aquaplaning. To regain grip, ease off the accelerator, do not brake and allow your speed to reduce until you gain full control of the steering again
9) Be considerate to other road users and try not to spray pedestrians and cyclists as you drive through water
"Heavy rain may lead to large puddles, areas of standing water and even flooding in the event that you may have to negotiate these types of conditions on the road, read below for our advice on how to drive through deep puddles".
Extra advice about driving in heavy rain and flooding conditions can be found on the RAC's website.