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Somerset is bracing for a day of relentless rain as Storm Amy sweeps across the country this weekend.
Starting from around 10am on Friday, October 3, the county will face a barrage of inclement weather, with strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall predicted, with a 95 per cent chance of heavy rain hitting at 2pm - and then a second wave from 8pm until midnight.
No weather warnings have been issued in the South West as yet, although yellow and amber alerts for rain and wind are in place further north.
Rain is forecasted to persistently fall on the South West throughout the day and into the night, with a near-continuous downpour is expected for approximately 24 hours, until 11am on Saturday, October 4, reports Bristol Live.
The most severe conditions are anticipated on Friday and in the early hours of Saturday morning. From 4am, large bands of rain will transition into showers.
Further north, Storm Amy is poised to cause significant disruption, with amber weather warnings in effect in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated: "Within the Scotland amber warning area, gusts in excess of 95mph are possible from Friday evening and into Saturday morning as Stormy Amy brings a risk of power cuts and damage to buildings and trees.
"Gusts up to 80 mph are possible within the Northern Ireland warning area, more widely 60-70 mph gusts are expected in the Amber warning areas, in what will be an impactful autumn storm for many in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"Rainfall is an additional hazard, in particular over western Scotland, where totals could exceed 30-50mm in 6-9 hours, increasing the risk of flooding for some.
"Warnings will continue to be tweaked and amended in the coming days as confidence increases so stay up to date with the latest Met Office forecast and warnings."
As part of the storm, flooding is anticipated and the Environment Agency advises people to monitor flood warnings over the next few days.
Sarah Cook, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, commented: "Storm Amy is expected to bring heavy rainfall that may lead to minor surface flooding across parts of the north of England and Midlands this Friday and Saturday.
"Environment Agency teams will be out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
"We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and coastal paths, and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
"People should search 'check my flood risk' online, sign up for free flood warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation with @EnvAgency on X."
SOUTH WEST WEATHER Today:
Largely dry to start, but dull and locally murky with coastal and hill fog. Outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards during the day, heavy at times, with increasingly blustery winds. A rather warm and humid day despite the widespread cloud. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
Tonight:
A wet evening with sharp downpours possible. Turning drier overnight with clearer spells by dawn. Remaining windy with squally gusts possible at times. Rather humid evening, feeling fresher by dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
Saturday:
Sunny spells and scattered showers throughout the day. Feeling noticeably cooler than of late with brisk northwesterly winds and localised gales, particularly around coasts and hills. Maximum temperature 15 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Winds easing slightly from Sunday, though remaining breezy. Largely dry on Monday with sunny spells at times; perhaps cloudier on Tuesday with patchy drizzle. Turning milder again.