Flood-hit areas face heavy showers

A clean-up operation was under way in Somerset and Devon following the previous night's torrential downpour. Firefighters evacuated homes in the worst-hit areas and hundreds of people woke up to flood-damaged homes.

Heavy showers were predicted once again, but forecasters did not expect a repeat of Thursday's events.

A spokesman for MeteoGroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association, said south-west Wales and Cornwall had experienced heavy rainfall earlier this afternoon.

Forecaster Brendan Jones said: "The latest predictions, rainfall will increase in the (Somerset) area, moving across the Bristol Channel. I don't think we're going to see showers on the same level as yesterday."

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire Service said all fire personnel had been pulled out from the flood-struck area as local authorities took over repairs. But spokesman Andy Newland said they were made aware of a new severe weather warning issued by the Met Office, and the fire service was on "stand-by".

Crewkerne, in south Somerset was one of the worst hit towns in the deluge. Several properties were hit in South Street. Staff at Rivermead Garage were faced with a car lot full of damaged vehicles, either waiting for sale or waiting for repair.

Somerset county councillor for Crewkerne, John Dyke, came down to South Street to help the community. He said: "I've lived here all my life and the area has flooded twice so it's a very rare event."

At the storm's peak Devon and Somerset Fire Brigade was taking calls "every few seconds" from worried residents, with more than 350 emergency calls received in just two-and-a-half hours. Ilminster, Shepton Mallet, Bridgwater and Wells were also severely affected, Mr Newland said.

The Sunrise Celebration Festival at Bearley Farm near Yeovil has been officially called off due to the adverse weather conditions.