Tropical storm due

Devon gets tail end

The dregs of a tropical storm are about to hit the south west. Strong winds, heavy rain and spring tides combined will make conditions treacherous.  

Over the past few days, torrential downpours led to surface water flooding, landslips and fallen trees across Devon. The centre of Barnstaple flooded badly on Monday.

A Met Office yellow warning of strong winds is in force through till Friday, with gusts of up to 60mph expected, with coastal areas probably bearing the brunt.

The county council has been removing fallen trees on the A361 near Ilfracombe, the B3193 near Trusham, A3052 Farringdon, Exeter Road in Silverton and the A379 at Labrador Bay in Shaldon. As well as the Barnstaple floods, there's been more in Polsloe Road in Exeter, Harcombe Road near Axminster and South View Road in Willand, and a landslip was reported on the B3196 Fowlescombe in the South Hams.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, said: “We would urge people to take extra care when out and about at the moment. These unseasonal storms have created challenging conditions and there could be surface water and debris on the roads. Please don’t attempt to drive through flood water. Leave extra time for your journey, slow down and drive according to the conditions. With thousands of visitors in the county at the moment, people staying at campsites should be aware of the risk of the forecast strong winds and we would urge people not to ‘storm-watch’ on seafront areas.”

Devon County Council is reminding people of the following advice:

• Be alert to fallen trees and branches, particularly on minor roads where they may not have been reported;
• When the wind is at its peak, consider if your journey is really necessary, 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;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions.