Roads warning ahead of more rain

Driving conditions will be hazardous in some places

Motorists are being warned to travel with care and plan their journeys as heavy rain is forecast and flooding likely in areas of Devon.

A Yellow Weather Warning is in place on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, with rain also forecast to hit the county on Friday night.

Devon County Council is asking road users to travel with care and reminding motorists that driving conditions will be hazardous in some places.

In high ground, many places within the warning area seeing 10-15 mm of rain, but some areas may see as much as 30mm with the potential for shorter lived, more intense spells of rain almost anywhere, a county council spokesman said.

They added: “While the amounts are not particularly high, rainfall on already saturated ground is likely to cause flooding on some roads, particularly those near water courses.”

Cllr Stuart Hughes, the Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for highways, said: “Rain will be heavy at times and could cause localised surface flooding on roads.

“We’re asking people to remember not to attempt to drive through roads that have been temporarily closed, or floodwater, and to be aware of the likelihood of debris on the highway.

“Motorists should drive with caution and remember in wet conditions stopping distances will increase, and plan your journey this weekend and allow extra time.

“We’ll be closely monitoring the highway around the clock throughout the weekend.”

A flood warning for the River Clyst from Broadclyst to Clyst St Mary remains in place, and says: “The risk of flooding will remain over Friday. Heavy showers falling in the East Devon area will continue throughout Friday.

“This will cause the levels of the River Clyst to remain high. Properties and low lying areas around Ashclyst Farm, Burrow Bridge, Broadclyst Bridge, Clyston Mill, Dymond’s Farm, Sowton Barton and properties and farms between Clyst St. Mary and Topsham including Newcourt Barton and Cotts Farm will remain at flood risk.

“Flood waters may be deep and fast flowing in these areas. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings.”

Flood alerts for the area around the Lower River Tamar, Middle Exe, Middle River Tamar, Rivers Clyst and Culm, River Teign, and River Tone are also in force for the region.

Friday morning saw St Andrew’s Road in Exwick shut in both directions between Kinnerton Way and the A377 at Cowley Hill due to the flooding, while fire crews had to issue a warning to the public after receiving multiple calls of vehicles stuck in flood water.

Devon County Council has extra stand-by resources available through their contractor Skanska if needed, who are prepared and ready if they are called into action over the Christmas holidays and throughout the rest of the winter season.

The authority has upgraded six gritters to replace older vehicles in its winter fleet of 37 frontline gritters, and so far this winter, around 3,000 tonnes of salt have been used on Devon’s roads. The Council starts the winter season with around 24,000 tonnes of salt in its depots.