COUNTLESS Easter holiday plans are set to be ruined this weekend as the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for torrential rain.
The “prolonged” rainfall could lead to some flooding of homes and businesses across some of the , the agency warned.
Visitors and locals across the south-west of are covered by the warning, which takes effect at 6pm today.
Beachgoers could be in for a washout as such as Truro, , Falmouth, and St Austell have been warned of the , which could “interrupt power supplies”.
Further along the coast, cities such as and Plymouth, as well as the seaside town of , are also at risk of the “heavy and persistent” rainfall.
has warned that the torrential conditions could make driving “difficult” and cause “some disruption to travel”.
This is due to potential spray and flooding on roads, which could increase journey times.
The forecaster also warned that bus and train services would likely be affected, similarly making longer.
It said: “Rain developing early Friday becomes heavier and more persistent later on Friday and persists into Saturday before easing from Saturday late morning.
“20 to 40 mm of rain is likely to build up widely by Saturday morning and 50 to 75 mm rain is likely over and near areas of higher ground, especially Dartmoor.
“Conditions will also be quite windy.”
The yellow warning will remain in place until 9am on Saturday.
Residents have been advised to prepare a flood plan and emergency flood kit, if their home is at risk of flooding.
Travellers have also been told to check road conditions before driving, in order to reduce the chance of encountering delays.
Those using have been advised to check bus and train timetables so that you can change your travel plans in advance if necessary.
The Met Office also provided guidance in case of power failures.
It said: “People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance.
“It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
This comes as drivers have been , ahead of this Easter weekend.
Traffic is also set to be its highest level in three years for the holiday period, with a whopping 19 million travellers expected to make journeys, according to the RAC.
Lunchtime on Good Friday is expected to have the lengthiest hold-ups, meaning those behind the wheel should plan to set off early in the morning.
Popular routes are likely to experience tailbacks including the A303 westbound to and the M5 southbound J15 at the RAC tower north of .
Journey times are likely to be nearly an hour longer for both meaning some could be stuck in their vehicles for more than half as long as usual.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “We’re still expecting to see extremely high levels of traffic from Thursday onwards, with the greatest number of getaway trips planned for three years.
“Drivers shouldn’t expect to escape the queues if they don’t plan the best time to set off.
“It’s always best to travel as early as possible in the morning or later in the day when most of the traffic has eased, especially if headed to popular holiday destinations such as the West Country, Scotland or .”
Port of chief executive Doug Bannister said they are preparing for around 5,500 cars on just Friday alone.
The M6 is expected to be packed around thearea, as is the M25 in its south and western sections, the M5 at, and the A303 in.
