Devon Council issues warning ahead of Storm Éowyn

Devon is bracing for severe weather as Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring wind gusts of up to 70mph and heavy rain over the next two days.

The Met Office has issued Yellow Weather Warnings for wind from 7am to 6pm on Thursday, 23 January, and all day Friday, 24 January, alongside a Yellow Warning for rain on Friday morning until 9am.

Devon County Council has taken precautionary measures, deploying additional resources to tackle potential disruptions. Extra tree surgeons are on standby, and more staff have been drafted into the Network Operations Control Centre to monitor and respond to issues.

The storm is expected to begin tomorrow with an initial band of rain and wind gusts of 50-60mph in exposed coastal and hilly areas.

On Friday, conditions are set to worsen, with heavier rain bringing the potential for localised flooding. Up to 25mm of rain is expected across most of the county, with high ground areas possibly seeing as much as 60mm.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, urged residents to exercise caution: “We’ve seen quite a few storms already this winter, and Storm Éowyn could lead to travel disruption over the next few days. Friday in particular is expected to see the worst of the conditions, so anyone out on Devon’s roads could come across surface water flooding and possibly fallen trees.

“We’ll have additional teams on hand to pump gullies and clear debris from roads, and every effort will be made to keep roads clear. Further rain is also forecast on Sunday, with winds expected to pick up again. Please be aware of the conditions, take extra care, and don’t try to drive through floodwater.”

In addition to storm-related risks, road surface temperatures may drop below freezing, prompting gritters to treat main salting routes across the county this afternoon and tonight.

Devon County Council’s Weather Safety Advice:

- Be alert to fallen trees and branches, particularly on minor roads.

- Never drive through floodwater - it’s difficult to judge its depth and strength. Find an alternative route.

- Allow extra time for journeys, reduce your speed, and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front.

- Listen to local radio for updates on road and weather conditions.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for possible disruptions as Storm Éowyn moves across the region.