Home / Disasters and Accidents / Wales & South England Brace for Flooding Chaos
Wales & South England Brace for Flooding Chaos
26 Jan
Summary
- Search continues for missing kayaker on River Exe in Tiverton.
- Yellow weather warning issued for rain in Wales and southern England.
- Up to 80mm of rain and strong winds expected in South West.
As of January 26, 2026, a search is underway for a kayaker in his 40s who went missing on the River Exe in Tiverton on Saturday afternoon. His kayak has been recovered, but he remains unaccounted for. This situation unfolds under a yellow weather warning for rain issued by the Met Office, affecting parts of Wales and southern England from 3 PM on Monday to midday on Tuesday.
Heavy rain and strong winds are anticipated, with potential for some communities to be isolated by flooded roads. The South West is expected to receive between 20mm to 30mm of rain widely, with up to 80mm possible on higher ground like Dartmoor and Exmoor. Similar conditions are forecast for parts of south-east England.
The region is still recovering from Storm Ingrid, which previously caused a partial collapse of a sea wall near Dawlish and damage to Teignmouth Grand Pier. Additionally, bodies of two swimmers missing on Christmas Day have been recovered from Exmouth, Devon.
