South Devon road users urged to take extra care as Henk strikes

Road users are being urged to take extra care today after the Met Office issued an Amber Wind Warning and a Yellow Weather warning.

They have forecasted high winds and the possibility of disruption, especially across northern Devon from the first named storm of the year, Storm Henk.

The warning is from late morning to around 10pm tonight, however the peak of the storm in Devon is expected between midday and mid-afternoon.

During that time a spell of very strong winds in the north of the county is expected with gusts of 70-80 mph likely on some coastal areas.

And across the rest of Devon there is the possibility heavy rain and localised flooding.

Drivers should expect longer journey times and rail, road, air and ferry services may be affected. Drivers of high sided vehicles should take extra care in the winds.

If you must drive, you can do this more safely by driving slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual.

If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves.  

The winds could bring down trees and block roads; the storm will also blow leaves off trees which could then block gullies and drains, leading to localised highway flooding.

The public should not walk or drive through flood water as there is a risk of engines becoming inundated or encountering manhole covers that have been dislodged or are missing.

Devon Highways has placed more teams on standby to deal with any issues that may arise.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “The Met Office has warned about the potential of extremely strong winds. There is a high chance of trees being brought down blocking roads and branches and other debris being blown about. Please take extra care and be prepared to expect the unexpected such as highways flooding.

“Staff will be on duty to cope with any  calls to the control centre and Devon Highways will have teams ready to call upon if needed. If you're out on Devon's roads, please allow more time for your journey and drive according to conditions. Keep up to date with the latest conditions by tuning in to travel updates and weather forecasts and please plan your journey.”

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.