South West UK hit by thunderstorms and flash floods

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Parts of South West UK including Devon were hit by heavy rains and thunderstorms as other parts of the country continued to face the scorching heat of the sun. Torrential rains also cause flash floods and resulted in massive travel disruption. South Hams was deemed the worst affected area by the showers that flooded parts of Devon.

A Plymouth school was hit by lightning while several roads in Kingsbridge and West Alvington became impossible to access due to flooding. The Met Office has already issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms for residents of Devon and parts of Cornwall.

Police mentioned that several businesses have been affected in Salcombe. The rain has struck on the South West UK just as Brits have been enjoying a rare hot spell during August with temperatures rising above 30C. Unfortunately, parts of the country are now reeling under the effect of the rain.

PC Emma Buley, from Devon and Cornwall Police, tweeted that floods in Salcombe had “affected dozens of businesses”. People were reportedly passing through knee-high water on Fore Street but the water has now started to drain away.

In Plymouth, a primary school had to be evacuated after lightning hit the building and a major road, the A374 Gydnia Way, has been closed due to flooding.

Children at Mount Street Primary School were told to leave after the strike hit the part of the building and trggered the alarm, but there was no fire and no injuries.

It affected telephone communications and internet systems, but the fire service confirmed everything was safe, staff reportedly said. There were reportedly huge bolts of lightning and deafening thunder claps coupled with torrential rain.

Police also requested drivers to take care with many roads having surface water and flooding has affected an area of Kingsbrige near the quay. The A379 near Churchstow is said to be only “passable with care”. The Met Office is predicting more rain to come while other parts of the UK will remain “warm and humid”.

It mentioned that rain, some heavy, across the far north and northwest will continue. The statement also said that other parts of the country can see cloud and occasional rain, some heavy and thundery especially over the south and southwest of the UK extending slowly northeast to all parts. Meanwhile, many parts will also continue to be very warm and humid.

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