Three days of heavy rainfall is on its way to Devon and Cornwall

The Westcoutry is being warned to brace itself for wet weather, with up to half a month's worth of rain predicted to fall in just three days across the region.

Heavy showers are forecast to sweep across the country today and overnight tonight, followed by another band of more persistent rain on Sunday.

The South West is expected to receive up to 75mm of rain during a 72-hour period, plus an additional 20mm on high ground such as Dartmoor and Exmoor.

The Met Office yesterday issued a yellow severe weather alert for the region and for Wales, and is urging the public to "keep up-to-date with local forecasts this weekend".

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Strong winds of up to 60 mph on the coast were due to have brought in the first band of heavy rain overnight. Up to 25mm, or an inch, of persistent rain is set to fall today.

Another heavier band of rain is expected to fall on Sunday when between 20 to 40mm are expected in all parts and up to 60mm on high ground. More rain is predicted to fall during the early part of next week.

The Environment Agency has warned people to prepare for waterlogged roads, but maintained there was a low risk of flooding.

Mike Dunning, spokesman for the agency, said: "We expect more prolonged rain on Sunday. But it's been relatively dry over the past few days, so the risk of flooding remains low."

Met Office forecaster Charles Powell advised: "Make the most of Saturday, which is set to be a dry and fine day. [Today] there will be distinct heavy pulses of rain, which is why we have released a weather warning for the region."

"The sunshine early on Sunday will be squeezed out by a big band of cloud bringing more rain during mid-late morning. And into next week there is not too much hope of an improvement on Monday or Tuesday with more cloud expected."