After a day of flooding misery yesterday, Somerset is being warned to brace itself for more of the same this afternoon.
The Met Office has upgraded its severe weather warning for the county to an amber alert, which is in place from 2pm today until midnight.
The amber alert, which is the forecaster's second most severe weather warning, warns people to be prepared for flooding.
The county could also be battered by 70mph winds.
Some homes in the Wellington and Taunton area have already reported power cuts this afternoon as the wind picks up.
"A spell of very wet and very windy weather is expected to move west to east across many parts of the UK during Thursday," said the Met Office.
"Coming so soon after the heavy rain which fell in many places on Wednesday, this is likely to provoke further issues with flooding.
"Additionally, winds will gust to 50 to 60mph in many places, and even 70mph in some exposed western areas.
"In view of the wind and rain combination, the public should be prepared for transport disruption."
More than a dozen major roads in Somerset were closed yesterday, including the A38, A357, A358 and A39.
Yesterday's floods were still causing problems on roads this morning.
Firefighters from Taunton had to rescue two people from a van which had become stranded in flood water on Cheat Road, Ruishton, shortly after 6am.
Train journeys through Somerset continue to be severely disrupted due to flooding on railway lines, while several schools are closing early today so staff and pupils can get home before the rain hits.
A further Met Office severe weather warning is also in place for Saturday.
The yellow alert warns of further persistent and heavy rain due to hit Somerset in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The rain is forecast to be accompanied by strong to gale force winds, and further weekend disruption is expected.
Click here for the latest Somerset weather forecast.For the latest information on flood warnings and alerts in the region, click on the Environment Agency panel below.SOMERSET FLOODS (21/11/2012) - VIDEO AND PICTURESVideo: Flooding causes traffic chaos and road closures in SomersetVideo: Willowbrook Garden Centre devastated by A38 flooding near TauntonPhotos: Flooding in South SomersetPhotos: Flooding around Mid-SomersetPhotos: Flood chaos on roads around Taunton and WellingtonPhotos: Floods at French Weir Park in TauntonPhotos: Taunton floods - police cordon off River Tone areas
