Major North Devon bridges look likely to close as Storm Goretti swoops in

Warnings for strong winds across Devon have been issued as Storm Goretti looks set to batter the region in the next few hours.

Devon County Council has said wind speeds of up to 70mph are expected on exposed coasts and hills, with a severe red warning in place for north west Devon and Cornwall.

The rest of the county currently has a yellow warning in place as of 3pm today (Thursday, January 8) which will stay in force until 8am tomorrow.

The council has said the Taw Bridge in Barnstaple and Torridge Bridge in Bideford will both close at some point this afternoon or tonight if wind gusts are as strong as forecast.

While an initial yellow weather warning for snow has now been cancelled, there remains the risk of snow and wintry showers in some areas. Some of Devon’s gritting fleet will be heading out from around 6pm tonight on mainly higher routes.

The council has drafted in extra staff to its Network Operations Control Centre, additional gritting teams are ready to go and tree surgeons are on standby to help clear any fallen trees.

Councillor Dan Thomas, cabinet member for highways, said: “Storm Goretti is creating an extremely changeable picture for us.

“The strength of the wind is causing most concern in our region, but as well as damaging winds, we may see issues caused by rain and snow in Devon. It’s very likely this storm could cause some disruption across the county this evening and overnight, but you may also come across debris and fallen trees tomorrow morning, so please expect the unexpected.”

People are being advised to take extra care on Devon’s roads, plan travel in advance where possible, particularly if they need to check if public transport services are running and avoid any unnecessary journeys.

Network Rail has already said train services between Exeter and Okehampton and Exeter and Barnstaple, will be suspended from 6pm.

People are being reminded of the following advice:

* Be alert to fallen trees and branches, particularly on minor roads where they may not have been reported.

* Allow additional time for your journey. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front to improve visibility and to give you more stopping distance in wet or icy conditions.

* Never drive through floodwater or swollen flowing water. Find an alternative route.

* Be extremely cautious if in coastal areas, as large waves are expected. Large waves and beach material thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads and properties could cause injuries and danger to life.

* Never assume a road has been salted. Showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming.

* Drive with care and according to the conditions.

* If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they might be helped through the cold spell and keep an eye on them.

More information and advice is available on the Devon County Council winter travel webpages.