
Motorists advised to plan journey as storm continues
Devon County Council is urging people to take care on the county’s roads as storm force conditions are set to continue throughout the rest of today and into tomorrow.
Traffic is likely to be busy with the start of the half term holiday, and although the heavy downpours will gradually turn to showers later, the county will be hit by strong winds and gales reaching up to 80mph on the South coast and up to 70mph inland.
Showers are forecast to gradually peter out over the weekend and gusts will become lighter during the course of Saturday.
Surface water is affecting a number of routes across the county, including the A384 between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, the A375 at Sidbury is closed and the A376 Clyst St George to Clyst St Mary is being closed while floodwater is cleared.
The A375 is closed at the Putts Corner/Seaton Road junction due to flooding and Wreford's Lane in Exeter blocked near the West Garth Road junction, because of a fallen tree. Driving conditions are hazardous on the B3212 Two Bridges Road, Princetown around the B3357 Tavistock Road junction due to snow.
Tipton St John Primary School is closed due to flooding and Marland School near Great Torrington is closed due to a power failure.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, said: “With the amount of rainfall we’ve had, there is lots of surface water around so conditions will be difficult on the county’s roads. There could also be a risk trees down overnight and into tomorrow morning as wind speeds pick up, so be prepared for the possibility of disruption. No doubt many people will be looking to travel for the start of the school half term holidays but please plan your journey, check the weather forecast and avoid travel overnight if at all possible.
“We would also like to remind people not to drive through floodwater, and avoid exposed coasts during storm conditions. Also please be aware that road closure signs are put up for safety reasons and people should not move them or tamper with them, as it could put others at risk.”
For more information on flooding, roads and travel advice visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter or on Twitter follow @HughHOCC and @Devonroads To view the latest coast path closures and safety advice go to www.southwestcoastpath.com