Drivers warned of debris and surface water on Devon's roads

Devon County Council is urging people to be prepared for the potential of disruption on the county’s roads caused by surface water and debris overnight and tomorrow.

Road users are being advised to plan their journey and take care following the Met Office warning for strong winds and rain.

Gusts could reach up to 60mph this evening and tomorrow morning, particularly on exposed coasts, but the strongest winds are expected to have cleared the county by Friday night.

The County Council is warning people to be alert to the possibility of fallen trees and landslips, especially on rural roads and coastal routes, and to take particular care on exposed bridges.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Highway Management, said: “We’ve had a lot of persistent rain over the last few days and most of the county is already saturated. With the forecast of more heavy rain and strong winds, travelling conditions may be difficult across the county and could cause delays and disruption overnight and tomorrow. Drains may not be able to cope with high levels of rainfall, so I would urge everyone to be wary of the possibility of surface water flooding.

“Please remember not to attempt to drive through closed roads or floodwater and, if conditions are stormy, please keep away from exposed coasts. If people need sandbags they should contact their local district or town council.”

Further wet and windy weather is expected in Devon over the course of the weekend, and there is the possibility of freezing road temperatures and the risk of ice, particularly on higher ground, on Friday night.