The public is being warned to be prepared for flooding overnight tonight in the Exeter and East Devon area as a band of wet and windy weather sweeps in across the region.
The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert today – meaning flooding is possible – for the coast from Plymouth to Lyme Regis on Monday morning. It is one of only two alerts currently in place across the UK.
The agency's warning follows a severe weather warning that has been issued by the Met Office for strong winds accompanied by heavy rain on Monday morning.
The flood alert advises that flooding is possible over the high tide at 4:40 am BST.
It reads: "Monday morning's high tide level is marginal. Strong southerly wind, gale force at times, will generate some large waves offshore and beach levels have not recovered from the winter storms earlier this year.
"There is a risk of further damage to coastal defences and more spray overtopping than normally expected. The time and date of forecast high water is 04:40 on October 6, 2014.
"The predicted astronomical tide level is 2.03mAOD. The forecast surge height is 0.29m. The forecast wind direction is SSE. The forecast wind strength is Force 8. Times of high tide will vary along the coast. Conditions will usually apply two-four hours either side of high tide."
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "Be prepared to protect yourself, family, pets and property and be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads.
"You can call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for up-to-date flooding information and you should keep an eye on local water levels and weather conditions."
They also advised people to visit their website, www.environment-agency.gov.uk, for river level and flooding information, tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
