The Environment Agency issued a flood warning for an area of Devon as homes and roads are put at risk by the weather event. The alert is in place for the lower River Torridge, from Dolton to Bideford, including Taddiport and Weare Giffard. More specifically, it includes riverside locations and roads between Dolton and Bideford.

At-risk roads include: New Bridge, Beaford Bridge, Taddiport, Rolle Bridge, Weare Giffard, Annery Kiln, and the A386, A3124 and B3227 at Great Torrington and Taddiport. The agency said: "Flooding is expected this morning, Wednesday 16th April. Over the last 24 hours we have seen heavy rainfall in the North Devon area. This is now causing the River Torridge to rise and the river is forecast to continue rising through the morning.

"Properties and low lying areas in Taddiport (properties around Taddiport Bridge, Sewage Treatment Works and B3227) and Weare Giffard (riverside properties and roads) are at risk. Flood waters may be deep and fast flowing in these areas.

"Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings. We will be closely monitoring the situation throughout the day. This message will be updated on Wednesday afternoon or as the situation changes."

At midday on Wednesday, the River Torridge level at Torrington was measures at 3.47 metres, according to the agency, which is above the 3.20-metre thershold for possible property flooding.

There is also currently a Met Office yellow warning for rain in place in Northern Ireland from 2am until 9pm on Wednesday. The alert read: "Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible. Perhaps some interruption to power supplies and other services

"Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer. Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer."

It added: "Rain is expected to continue, heavy at times, and lasting for much of Wednesday.

"Most areas within the warning will see 20-30 mm of rain, but a few spots could see 50-60 mm particularly over the high ground of Antrim, Down and Londonderry. Rain will ease from the west Wednesday evening."