Devon’s motorists are being urged to drive carefully this weekend as the county braces for high winds and rain from Storm Darragh.
Storm Darragh is the latest named storm to hit Devon and Devon County Council’s highways teams are well prepared.
Despite the disruption caused by Storm Bert just two weeks ago the majority of the county’s main road network was running smoothly just 48 hours after the storm had landed.
This weekend the windy and wet weather will begin on Friday with the highest winds expected during the course of Saturdayafternoon and Saturday evening.
The Met Office has published an Amber Wind Warning from 3am Saturday morning, to 9pm Saturday evening December 7with a Yellow Weather Warning for both wind and rain from 3pm Friday December 6 through to Sunday December 7, at 6am.
Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are on exposed coasts and headlandsare expected where large waves are likely, with gusts of 60 to 70 mph are likely inland
Around 15-25 mm of rain could fall across the county over the course of Friday and Saturday 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 and some road closures.
There may also be hazards with fallen trees, flying debriswhile beach material could be washed onto coastal roads.
The public are advised to take care when walking near cliffs or around coastal areas.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “We are well prepared but I would urge drivers to take care.
“With high winds and rain there is an ongoing risk of icy patches from lower temperatures. All of this can make roads more slippery than usual.
“We know how high winds and rain impact our roads and there will be a possibility of surface water flooding and debris on the roads so please drive according to conditions and be aware that you may come across unexpected hazards.
“There remains a lot of leaves in the trees and when that is blown down it could lead to blocked drains and gullies and affect road drainage.
“We will have teams on standby once again we will be working closely with Town and Parish wardens to alert us to blocked drains and even undertake minor leaf clearance where possible and safe to do so but we also welcome any support from local residents.”
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
For more information and travel advice visit our winter travel webpages or for updates follow @DevonAlert on Twitter (X)and Facebook.
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