Storm Frank batters Devon
Storm Frank has been making itself felt in Devon today with heavy rain and winds reaching speeds of more than 50mph battering the county.
Forecasters say that the downfalls will last throughout the day with the strong gusts abating by 3pm
The weather has caused widespread disruption across the region:
The old A30 Rockbeare Straight is impassable due to floods and there is flooding on Station Road in Broadclyst. Police advise motorists to seek alternative routes.
The A376 Exmouth Road has been closed at Exton by the Fire Service.
Flooding has affected some bus services: Service 56 is unable to serve Rockbeare, Marsh Green, West Hill and Gittisham, diverting via B3174 London Road and A30. Service 56 is not serving Lympstone Woodbury and Woodbury Salterton.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach South West said: “We are experiencing some delays and disruptions to our services due to Storm Frank however we expect these to be short lived, with things improving across the afternoon. Please allow extra time when travelling and take care out there. Please also follow us on twitter @stagecoachsw for the most up to date information.”
Stagecoach SW service updates can be found at: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates/serviceupdatesarticle?Situ...
There have been a number of reports of fallen trees affecting roads in and around Exeter, including the A396 Exeter Road in Ashley, Mid Devon which was blocked near the Narrow Lane junction and on the A3052 between the Oilmill Lane junction and Greendale junction at Clyst St Mary.
Train services have been affected by the weather. Passengers are advised to check journeys before travelling.
Click here for further updates on roads affected by floooding.
Across the UK there are four severe flood warnings, indicating danger to life - three in Croston, Lancashire, which is braced for the second flood in a week.
A further 47 flood warnings, requiring immediate action, are in force in England and Wales and more than 60 in place in Scotland.
About 5,500 homes have been left without power in the north of Scotland.
In Northern Ireland, homes also experienced power cuts and air passengers were delayed.
Meanwhile, soldiers evacuated homes near a bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, after it collapsed, prompting fears of flooding and a possible gas explosion.
The five-day forecast for Devon issued by the Met Office is as follows:
Today:
Exceptionally windy with further heavy rain. The wind and rain will move slowly eastwards through the day, with showers to follow later. Mild, but feeling colder in the wind. Maximum Temperature 13°C.
Tonight:
The blustery showers, heavy at times, will continue tonight. They will ease towards dawn, becoming more confined the the east. Feeling cold in the wind. Minimum Temperature 5°C.
Thursday:
A dry, bright start for most however a band of heavy showers will move in from the west through the morning, with strong winds and possible thunder. Clearing again later. Maximum Temperature 12°C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
A bright, frosty start to New Year's Day, with rain and strong winds later. Dull and damp for most Saturday, with heavy rain Sunday. Becoming mild but windy.
