Severe weather alert in Taunton

Forecasters have predicted severe weather conditions in Taunton and across the South West today.

The extremely serious amber weather alert was issued by the Met Office for a second time this morning and covers most of the South West.

The alert was upgraded from yellow to amber yesterday afternoon warning of widespread havoc today, including torrential downpours. Some areas should expect up to three inches of rain and possible flooding.

Taunton is expecting heavy downpours in the morning followed by winds of up to 21 mph in the afternoon.

However the weather is likely to brighten up at around 3 pm when the sun is expected to come out.

Yesterday, during the severe weather conditions, a woman was killed in south-west London by a falling tree branch.

The woman was from New-Zealand and visiting Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, and died during heavy rain and gusts of wind close to 30 mph.

The amber alert yesterday was only covering Devon and Cornwall but has now spread across the South West

A Met Office spokesperson said: "The public should be prepared for an increased risk of both surface water and river flooding during this period."

Poor visibility from heavy rain and surface water is already causing problems for drivers, with the M4 Second Severn Crossing and the M5 south of Bristol among the worst affected areas.

Has anyone in Taunton experienced severe weather trouble? Please get in touch with pictures and reports..