Devon braced as Storm Ciara arrives

There is an amber weather warning for strong winds

Storm Ciara, billed as Britain's most severe storm in years, has now arrived in the county [9 February].

There is an amber weather warning for strong winds, bringing a possible danger to life, while Exeter's Met Office warns the storm could cause flying debris, potential power cuts and longer journey times. Heavy rain is also forecast.

Kingsbridge Police have warned people to take care on the roads and by the coast, adding to take "necessary journeys only".

#stormciara is due to hit within hours. Please take care on the roads and by the coast. Necessary journeys only. Already had to advise 2 taking photos on a local beach as the waves are crashing in! pic.twitter.com/2Ujk0DjUcm

— Kingsbridge Police (@KingsbridgePol) February 9, 2020

Network Rail has imposed a 50mph speed restriction on trains in the county, while Cross Country are not running any services south of Bristol.

They are advising passengers to: "Only travel by train this Sunday if absolutely necessary."

Disruption could continue into Monday morning as repair work may be hampered by the conditions and passengers are urged to check for updates before travelling.

Meanwhile, the severe weather has also caused today's racing at Exeter to be abandoned.

‼️‼️ Unfortunately Racing today has been Abandoned. Wind speeds have reached unacceptable mph gusts this morning and our localised forecast predict this to continue for the remainder of today, affecting our racing operation, public safety and grandstand areas.

— Exeter Racecourse (@ExeterRaces) February 9, 2020

Updates to follow.