Devon clears up after storm
Highways teams across the county have been busy clearing up after last night’s severe winds and heavy rain, which have left fallen trees and debris across the county's road network.
So far, 81 fallen trees have been reported, including on many of the major A roads. Devon and Cornwall Police have received more than 200 calls about damages caused by the weather..
Several areas have also become flooded as a result of the heavy rain. The Environment Agency has issued 9 flood warnings in the South West region with warnings to those on the River Teign and Exe to prepare a flood plan.
The council has advised drivers not to drive through any flood water or fords with heightened flows.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Highway Maintenance and flood prevention, said: "Highways teams have been out all through the night responding to incidents as they've occurred.
"Our priority now that the wind and rain have moved on is to deal with the disruption to the priority road network, to get that clear as quickly as possible.
"We're asking drivers to remain cautious, especially as it starts to get dark later this afternoon, because there may be incidents not yet reported to us, and therefore may still be potentially hazardous.
"Don’t drive too fast, and avoid driving through flood water. There may be potholes underneath surface water which present a hidden danger so drivers need to be aware of those and also of increased breaking distances.
"It’s also important that people make sure they are up to date with the latest flood and weather warning information, which can be found on the Environment Agency’s website, and via the Met Office. Its also a good idea to listen to local radio stations for weather updates and the latest travel information."
In a statement this morning, Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Taylor said: “It’s vital we are ready and prepared for incidents like this and our plans have been well tested this weekend and continue to be.
“We have received a large number of weather related calls, but with the efforts of police staff, officers and with the support of partners across the board, the response provided has been excellent.
“It is particularly heartening to see Specials as volunteers turning out in such numbers at very short notice.
“Our focus is now on ensuring Devon and Cornwall remains safe as the region wakes and begins to clear up.”
The latest road status
There may still be minor roads that have yet to be reported as blocked
Updated 4:20pm
A35 is closed east of Honiton – this is a major road which goes out to the County boundary It’s shut near Kilmington by Axminster and likely to be so for the next 4 hours
A396 Cowley Bridge at Stoke Cannon is currently closed due to fallen trees.
In North Devon the B3227 is still closed due to about 10 inches flood water by Bray Bridge.
However, the B3226 has now re-opened at Clapworthy.
The road is lifting on the A3072 between Highampton and Holsworthy due to flooding. Temporary traffic lights are in place, this is still on-going.
The A385 in Rattery remains closed.
On the A375 between the Hare and Hounds pub and Sidbury, several trees down have caused disruption. Tree surgeons are attending a large tree, fallen at Pen Hill. This should now be passable with care.
The B3352 Pear Tree Cross to Holne Bridge is now clear.
Tree surgeons have been busy clearing a tree on Exeter's New North Road. This should now also be passable with care.
The A380 Splatford Split is now clear.
There have been problems at Luscombe Hill in Dawlish due to trouble with power lines but again, this should now have been resolved and passable with care.
Debris on the footpath caused by damage to a wall along the Strand in Lympstone means that the footway there remains closed.
The situation has improves on the A386 Little Torrington near to Rosemore Garden Centre and is passable with care.
The A386 Merton to Meeth road has lifted due to flood water and is operating with temporary traffic lights.
Train and Bus services continue to be affected by the weather.
Major disruptions to train services in Devon and Cornwall have continued after a Cross-country train hit a tree near Ivybridge. No passengers were onboard and the driver was uninjured.
Bus routes across the county have been affected by road closures.
Update 4:30pm
Service 4A can now serve Rockbeare village.
Service 52B is now back to normal.
Services 55 and 155 are still operating along M5 into Exeter from Tiverton.
Service 56 is still diverting via 56A route due to an accident outside Brands Farm at Woodbury Salterton.
Met Office weather warnings for the South West are issued online here - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_warnings.html
Further information and advice about the weather, including the details of agencies involved in dealing with the impacts of severe weather, can be found on the Met Office website here - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html
The Environment Agency flood warnings for the South West are online here - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/34678.aspx?type=Region&term=Southwest&from=fl
