Storm Darragh wreaks havoc on Devon

Thousands still without power

Devon and Cornwall bore the brunt of Storm Darragh, a powerful storm that swept through the region over the weekend. 

Strong winds, heavy rain, and widespread disruption left thousands of residents without power and causing significant damage to infrastructure.

Power Outages:
As of Monday, 9 December, over 2,500 homes and businesses remained without power. National Grid teams have been working tirelessly to restore electricity, but challenging weather conditions have hindered progress.

The company has apologised for the inconvenience and assured customers that they are working quickly to resolve the issue.

Road Disruptions:
Devon County Council faced significant challenges in managing the storm's impact on the roads. Hundreds of calls were received regarding fallen trees, blocked roads, and other debris. Key roads, including the A361 Taw Bridge and A39 Torridge Bridge, were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

Numerous schools in Devon and Cornwall were forced to close due to power outages and unsafe conditions.

Additionally, rail services were severely disrupted, with several lines closed or experiencing delays.

Safety Advice: As the region continues to recover, local authorities have issued safety advice to residents:

• Preparedness: Keep torches, lanterns, and battery-powered devices ready.
• Heating Safety: Use safe heating methods and check carbon monoxide alarms.
• Food Safety: Keep freezers closed to preserve food.