A significant search operation has been launched by police in Devon for a missing man after his empty kayak was discovered, coinciding with severe flood warnings and disruptive weather alerts being issued across multiple regions of the United Kingdom.
Search Underway in Devon Following Kayak Discovery
Devon and Cornwall Police are actively searching for a man in his 40s who is reported to have gotten into difficulty on the River Exe in Tiverton on Saturday. The man's kayak was recovered from the water, but he remains missing, prompting a coordinated emergency response in challenging conditions.
Met Office Issues Yellow Weather Warnings
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain covering south-west England and Wales, effective from 3pm on Monday until midday on Tuesday. Forecasters predict widespread rainfall of 20mm to 30mm, with significantly higher accumulations of 50mm to 80mm likely across elevated terrain, particularly in Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Brecon Beacons.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna warned that the most impactful weather would affect southern and western parts of the UK, stating: "We could potentially see up to 80mm of rain across parts of the South West, coupled with gales as well, particularly across Cornwall. It looks particularly windy across the far south-west of England later on Monday into Tuesday."
Travel Disruption and Flooding Concerns
The weather service has cautioned that some communities in affected areas may become "cut off" by flooded roads following the anticipated heavy rain and strong winds. The warning extends to potential coastal hazards, with forecasters noting the possibility of large waves in some coastal areas, debris being blown around, and even roof tiles becoming dislodged.
Mr Petagna added that the combination of wind and rain would create a "chilly" feel over the coming days, though temperatures would remain generally average for this time of year.
Ongoing Cleanup from Previous Storm Damage
The latest weather warnings come as cleanup efforts continue following Storm Ingrid, which recently impacted Devon and Cornwall. The storm caused significant infrastructure damage, including:
- A partial collapse of the sea wall protecting the railway line at Dawlish
- Suspension of train services between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth
- Damage to the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier, with part of the structure washing away
Separate Coastal Incidents Under Investigation
In a separate but related development, police are investigating coastal incidents in Devon. The body of a man recovered from the sea at Exmouth on Sunday afternoon is believed to be that of antiques shop owner Matthew Upham, one of two swimmers who went missing on Christmas Day. While formal identification is pending, officers have informed the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton.
The body of a 47-year-old man, thought to be the other swimmer missing since December 25th, was recovered earlier in the week.
Additional Weather Alerts Across the UK
Further weather warnings have been issued beyond the south-west region:
- A separate yellow rain warning covers parts of south-east England from midnight to midday on Tuesday
- The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather alerts for northern areas of England, valid from Monday through Friday
- In York, the River Ouse burst its banks over the weekend, causing localized flooding
Emergency services across affected regions remain on high alert as they respond to both the search operation for the missing kayaker and prepare for potential flooding incidents resulting from the forecasted severe weather conditions.
