The Environment Agency has issued a yellow flood alert warning for the River Axe, following heavy rain this afternoon.

The alert affects Honiton, Ottery St Mary and Sidmouth. An amber alert means flooding is possible this afternoon (Thursday). Heavy rain has fallen across Devon, and is expected to continue until early Friday morning. 

The Met Office issued a 15-hour yellow weather warning from Thursday, January 4 which covers nearly all of Devon and Somerset.

A spokesman for EA said: "Heavy rain has fallen across Devon, and is expected to continue until early Friday morning. This means that river levels will remain high for the next couple of days as the catchments are already very wet. Levels suggest that there will be flooding to low lying land and roads close to rivers. Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions. We are monitoring river levels and have staff in the area checking for and clearing blockages."

The Met Office says you should expect: power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses, homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings, Spray and flooding is likely to lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, there is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads and there is a chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.