Latest news as flooding hits in Somerset and Devon - including Exeter Airport and Butlin’s Minehead

  • Watch as torrential rain causes flooding in Somerset.

Heavy rain has caused serious disruption and flash flooding across parts of Devon and Somerset.

Firefighters across the region said they were inundated by calls as flash flooding hit roads, homes and other buildings on Sunday 17 September.

Exeter Airport was forced to close due to flooding but staff worked through the night to enable it to reopen on Monday 18 September.

In Dawlish, streets were left underwater when a stream burst its banks and Minehead in Somerset was also hit by flash flooding.

The Butlin's resort in Minehead has announced it will remain closed for days due to flood damage.

  • Watch as flooding hits in Minehead

It comes as more than a month’s rain was expected to have fallen across parts of the UK by the end of Sunday.

An amber warning was put in place in Devon and Somerset - meaning the counties were likely to be flooded and people should expect travel disruption.

We'll bring you all the latest updates below...

Exeter Airport floods

Exeter Airport had to cancel flights to Jersey, Newcastle, Lanzarote, Edinburgh and Guernsey due to flooding in its terminal.

In a statement, the airport said: "Following Sunday afternoon's flash flooding which caused the closure of the airport, our teams are working through the night cleaning up and we expect to be open on Monday morning.

"Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the very latest information about their flight, and please bear with us while we do our very best to return all airport operations to normal."

Heavy rain hits Stoke Canon - between Tiverton and Exeter.

Butlin's closed

Butlin's in Minehead took the full force of the thunderstorms and heavy rain.

It was forced to close its pool, buffet restaurant and centre stage and will not reopen until Thursday 21 September.

A Butlin's spokesperson said: "We’ve experienced exceptional rainfall across our Minehead resort. As a result, we’ve taken the difficult decision to close for today’s family break due to several important venues being impacted by the weather.

"The safety of our guests and team is our top priority and we are very sorry to anyone whose holiday has been affected.

"We have contacted all guests due to arrive tomorrow and provided more information on their options including a full refund."

Floods leave people 'paddling' through water in Dawlish

The area near Dawlish seafront was left completely under water. Credit: Paula Jones

A stream caused serious issues in Dawlish when it burst its banks.

People reported that they ended up "paddling" home after a walk along the beach.

The water rose so quickly, Exmouth RNLI was dispatched to do a check of the shoreline in case people were trapped. Thankfully, there were no casualties.

House in Totnes hit by lightning

Firefighters were called to the scene of a house in Totnes which was struck by lightning as a ceiling collapsed and electrics were wrecked Credit: BPM Media

Firefighters were called to the scene of a house in Totnes which was struck by lightning as a ceiling collapsed and electrics were wrecked in freak weather that has swept the region.

The property was targeted at around 1.44am on Sunday as a wave of thunderstorms swept through the region.

"One extreme to the other"

It has been a challenging weekend for the fire service. Steve Fisher, from the Community Safety Team for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said,

"Just over a week ago we had this horrendously hot weather and we're talking to the public about wildfires and the risk of fires starting in the dry undergrowth and then within a week we've got flash floods. So it's typical UK weather - one extreme to the other.

"There were exceptional circumstances. We have seen that type of thing before and we are always fully prepared to respond."

Advice from the Met Office

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: “It is certainly worth keeping up to date with the forecast.

“It is worth checking those things immediately before you head out on your journey so that you are aware where the most severe thunderstorms are possible.

“Make sure you are taking care as the weather could change at very short lead times and just be prepared for those gusty winds and potentially large hailstorms.”

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