Batten down the hatches!

Forecaster have warned that storm-force conditions will continue throughout Devon today (Saturday) and into tomorrow.

Many residents woke ups this morning to find damage to their properties. Meanwhile, all of Devon’s Household Waste Recycling Centres will be closed today Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market has been closed.

The fixture between Bristol Bears Women and Exeter Chiefs Women has been postponed due to the adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh. 

Red and amber weather warnings were put in place for much of the West Country and following an inspection of Ashton Gate Stadium and pitch this morning, and with further high winds forecast, it was considered unsafe for supporters to attend this afternoon’s game.

Further details about the rearrangement of this fixture will follow in due course, and any tickets purchased will be valid for the new match date. 

The Met Office has published a series of Yellow Warnings and an Amber Wind Warning from 3am Saturday morning to 9pm Saturday evening December 7 across Devon.

Around 15-25 mm was expected to fall between yesterday (Friday) and today with exposed higher ground at the greatest risk of flooding.

Wind and rain may cause disruption to travel, with difficult driving conditions likely.

This could lead to road, rail, air and ferry services being affected and spray and flooding may make difficult driving conditions more difficult possibly resulting in some road closures.

There may also be hazards with fallen trees, flying debris while beach material could be washed onto coastal roads.

The public are advised to take care when walking near cliffs or around coastal areas.

Devon County Council’s highways teams are well prepared and despite the disruption caused by Storm Bert two weeks ago highways teams ensured that the majority of the road network was running smoothly 48 hours after the storm had landed.

Extra Neighbourhood Teams will be on standby ready to respond to any incidents and additional highways gangs and tree surgery crews will be available if needed.

There will be extra resources available at the Network Operations Control Centre to deal with incoming calls.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: "We are well prepared, but I would remind drivers to take care and please drive to the conditions and please consider the Met Office’s Advice to avoid travelling where possible in an area with a Red Weather warning.

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
• Consider if your journey is essential and be alert to weather warnings.
• Allow additional time for your journey, never drive through floodwater or swollen flowing water, you don’t know how deep it is. Find an alternative route
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front and leave plenty of room if you’re overtaking.
• Drive with care and according to the conditions.
• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions