THE Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for Exmoor Rivers.

In guidance last updated on Wednesday afternoon, the Environment Agency warned that flooding was possible, and urged local residents to be prepared.

The waterways covered by the alert are the Upper River Exe from Exford to Exebridge, the Rivers Barle, Lyn, Mole and Bray and their tributaries, and coastal streams from Combe Martin to Lynton.

The latest alert comes as river levels in West Somerset have been high for several days.

And the Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning for rain covering the South West and parts of Wales through Wednesday night and into Thursday.

The warning is set to start at 9pm today and expire on Thursday at 5pm. The forecaster cautions that affected areas could suffer power cuts, flooding, and difficult driving conditions.

The Environment Agency issues three levels of flood alert. 

At level 1 it urges those in affected areas to prepare. This includes preparing a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents and to check flood warnings. 

At level 2, a flood warning, the guidance is to act. In the event of a warning the gas water and electricity supplies should be turned off, personal affects should be moved upstairs, and family pets and cars should be moved to safety. 

At level 3, a severe flood warning, the instruction is to survive. The environment Agency recommends calling 999 if in immediate danger, following the advice of the emergency services, and keeping yourself and your family safe. 

At the moment the risk for Exmoor Rivers remains at level 1, a flood alert. Local residents can subscribe to flood alert notifications by phone text or email on the .GOV website. 

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain in Exmoor. The forecast predicts continuous rain until 2 00 pm on Thursday the 12 of January.