Heavy downpours and flooding shut roads

Heavy downpours and flooding have led to disruption across Devon and Cornwall.

The Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning, covering Devon and parts of Cornwall, which is in force until 19:00 BST.

Plymouth Highways said Gdynia Way was shut due to flooding, with reports of heavy floods in the Lipson area of the city.

Devon and Cornwall Police urged drivers to take "extra care" on roads and "stick to an appropriate speed".

Plymouth Highways said: "Gdynia Way is currently closed in both directions due to flooding.

"Kings Street is currently closed due to flooding near the junction with Western Approach."

The Met Office said places across the South West could see 10-20 mm of rain in an hour, and 30-40 mm in three hours or less.

"There is a chance of some thunderstorms forming within this area, particularly during the afternoon," it said.

"Winds will also be strong at times, perhaps gusting to 40-50 mph around hills and coasts."

The Met Office said a 24-hour yellow thunderstorm warning was also in place from 18:00 on Friday.

It warned of travel disruption, flooded homes and businesses and "a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads".

Volunteers at Kingsbridge Food Bank's warehouse were among those experiencing flooding.

Operations manager Gerrie Messer said there had been no impact on its stock due to help from volunteers, who had been wading through "about an inch" of water.

"[The rain] has been absolutely horrendous here this morning," she said.

"We've got an amazing team of volunteers who all dived in... to help and rescue and protect the stock."

The Theatre Royal in Plymouth said its cafe and box office were closed due to flooding.

The National Trust said Lydford Gorge was also shut but hoped it would reopen on Friday.

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