The Met office has increased the weather warning of heavy rain in Exeter from Yellow to Amber, with warnings of flooding for the region.
An amber warning means the region should be prepared.
The Exeter based office warned that rain will become heavy and prolonged on Thursday night, persisting through much of Friday.
Adding: "The public should be prepared for localised flooding and disruption to travel."
Forecaster warn that 40 to 60mm of rain is expected to fall widely over Cornwall and Devon by the end of Friday with the potential for in excess of 100mm to fall over exposed southern and southeastern upslopes.
A chief forecaster said:
"Frontal bands pushing northeastwards during the latter part of Thursday and during Friday will find their progress slowed up by a blocking area of high pressure located northeast of the United Kingdom. This will result in the associated rain-bearing systems becoming slow-moving over southwestern parts of England and Wales leading to heavy and, at times, prolonged rainfall.
"Southeasterly winds will also increase to reach gale force around exposed coasts and also over high ground."
Heavy rain today (Thursday 21 March) and tomorrow could lead to flooding in South West England, the Environment Agency has warned.
The Environment Agency is reminding people throughout the South West region to keep up to date with the latest weather forecast and any flood alerts or warnings.
Flood alert warnings are currently in place for The River Exe from Tiverton to Exeter and the Rivers Otter and Sid, and Exmouth Area. Full list on Environment agency website.
