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The soggy aftermath of Britain's record-breaking wet summer will increase the risk of winter floods, say experts.
Months of monsoon-like weather has left the ground unusually waterlogged for the time of year.
Under the present conditions, any spell of heavy rain might be enough to cause further serious flooding like that which swamped many homes and businesses this summer in the Westcountry and across Britain.
In contrast to last winter's drought, November to April is traditionally the wettest time of year, when soils around most of the country are close to saturation. Much of the land in the Westcountry remains usually waterlogged for the time of year - putting areas of the region under further risk of flooding.
Homeowners and businesses have been warned to prepare for more flooding misery in the region. About a month's worth of rain has already fallen in Devon and Cornwall during the first half of October.
Helen Chivers, of the Exeter-based Met Office, said: "The ground is very saturated following the unusually wet summer. Therefore at the moment there is a heightened risk of flooding.
"But things can change very quickly and we are expecting a lot of dry weather over the next week."
She said the Met Office does not expect an "unusual" period of rain over the month.
Average rainfall nationwide in November is 144mm.
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