Storm Ciarán hits Devon

Batten down the hatches!

Road users are being urged to take extra care as heavy rain and wind hits the South West.

Storm Ciaran is expected to last until Thursday lunchtime, with the clean up likley to last for some time after that.
Rain of up to 40mm, (80mm on Dartmoor) on already sodden ground, is expected across Devon, while winds of between 60 and 75 mph are predicted.

As a precaution Devon County Council is closing all its Household Waste and Recycling Centres during Thursday as there is a Health & Safety risk from flying debris for both residents and site staff.

More than 200 schools are shut today, please visit the dedicated DCC webpage.

You can find out if the bus service used for school transport is operating by also visiting the DCC website.

Coastal flooding is a particular concern; Slapton, Exmouth, Sidmouth, Teignmouth, Dawlish Warren are particularly vulnerable.

Currently there is an Amber warning in place – however the strength of the storm could mean that the alert status is  upgraded.
One concern is that the winds could bring down trees and block roads and cause damage to property.

The storm will also blow leaves off trees which could then block gullies and drains, leading to localised highway flooding.
The public should not walk or drive through flood water as there is a risk of engines becoming inundated or encountering manhole covers that have been dislodged or are missing.

Devon County Council has drafted in extra staff into its control centre to monitor the network, and Devon Highways has placed more teams on standby to deal with any issues that may arise.

We have 32 teams of tree surgeons and 12 emergency call-out gangs with additional jetters on standby.

Devon County Council is reminding people of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with poorer visibility;
• Be alert to fallen trees and branches, particularly on minor roads where they may not have been reported;
• Consider if your journey is essential and be alert to weather warnings;
• Never drive through floodwater or swollen flowing water, you don’t know how deep it is. Find an alternative route;
• Allow additional time for your journey;
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front and leave plenty of room if you’re overtaking;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions.