Flash floods across the West Country

Neighbours were on hand to help. Credit: ITV West Country

The West country continues to be deluged by heavy rain with the Environment Agency issuing 36 flood warnings across Somerset, Dorset and Devon.

During the day, the downpour wreaked havoc on many low-lying areas, causing damage to property and chaos on the rail network.

In Bristol, the owners of 15 cars woke up to find their prized motors almost covered in storm water.

Residents in Whitchurch Lane, Bristol, could only watch on as the cars became submerged as water levels reached shoulder height within the space of an hour.

Sue Anderson was on her way to work when she became trapped. She says at first she didn't realise how deep it was:

Some feel Bristol City Council is partly to blame and claim blocked drains allow water to build up quickly.

The Council urged residents to do what they could to help by clearing leaves from drains.

In parts of Somerset roads became rivers. The Environment Agency said between 30 and 40mm of rain fell in the Chew Valley area sparking flood warnings.

Emergency services were in Chew Magna to check on residents and make sure they were prepared for flooding.

Checking on residents in Chew Magna. Credit: ITV West Country

The downpour has meant treacherous driving conditions for motorists, and have seen roads shut and trains diverted due to extra flooding.

The A46 at Shurdington near Gloucester. Credit: ITV West Country

In Cheddar the Gorge was forced to close because of serious flooding and subsidence.

Which left the road running through it covered in debris and surface water.

In Chard gardens were submerged and no amount of drain cleaning could get rid of these torrents.

Many schools were forced to close as the met office warned up to 60mm of rain could fall by the end of today.

Desperate attempts to clear drains in Chard. Credit: ITV West Country

For more than 36 hours water has been racing down the main street at Lee near Ilfracombe.

The Grampus Inn flooded yesterday but they have just managed to keep the water out today.

The water was close to flowing over the barrier. Credit: ITV West Country

The heavy rain band moved from South to North and has led to the usual places in Exeter becoming blocked.

Exeter as the downpour continued. Credit: ITV West Country

In East Devon fourteen village primary schools closed early today as parents and teachers were concerned that as water levels continued to rise, parents might not be able to get to school to collect children.

Schools out in East Devon. Credit: ITV West Country

The tail end of Storm Angus has also flooded the controversial new offices of the Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner.

Staff only moved in three months ago as part of a £500,000 renovation project of the suite at police headquarters in Exeter.

But they've been forced to move out today causing considerable damage, and it's not yet clear how long it would take before the offices would be in use again.

A man also had to be rescued from water near the Trading Estate in Bridport, Dorset. Fire crews came to his aid and he was handed over to the care of paramedics.