'Dangerous' Darragh storms across Torbay

Storm Darragh was sweeping through Torbay with high hopes that the resort had escaped any major problems.

Thousands of people in the Bay and South Devon received an unheard of red storm warning on their mobile phones from the government yesterday afternoon warning of a danger to life as the storm was expected to yield 90mph winds and downpours.

The Bay was full of ships at anchor as they tried to shelter from Darragh. Nationwide hundreds of trees were down, roads blocked, train services halted, thousands left without power and Christmas events cancelled. North Devon especially took a battering with some communities literally cut off by fallen trees.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “Storm Darragh is now moving across the UK bringing very strong winds, heavy rain and in Scotland some snow over the higher ground. These very strong winds will bring significant disruption, with the risk of flying debris, falling trees, large waves along the coast and power cuts. During this spell of severe weather it is important to listen to responders and emergency services in your area and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast.

“Storm Darragh will gradually ease as it crosses the UK, so the strongest winds in the west will start to reduce through Saturday. As the low pressure moves away to the east, colder northerly winds will move across the UK bringing the risk of overnight frosts and some wintry showers over high ground in the north on Sunday. By Monday high pressure becomes centred over the north of the UK and conditions will become much more settled.”

A yellow weather warning was in place across Devon from 3pm yesterday  and was remaining active until 6am on Sunday as the gale force winds showed little sign of easing. An additional amber wind warning is scheduled until 9pm today. Earlier today, the Met Office issued a rare red wind warning, predicting possible gusts of up to 90mph over the coasts and hills of West and South Wales, as well as the Bristol Channel coastlines.

Torbay Council was taking no chances: SWISCo confirmed the Recycling Centre in Paignton will be closed on Saturday December 7 to protect public and staff; the car park at Oldway will also be closed from now until Monday inclusive, with people warned to stay away from buildings due to risk of falling debris during the storm;

Cancelled or postponed events include the live music that was planned as part of the Illumination Trail around the Harbour in Torquay this weekend, the Alive with Light projections at Torre Abbey, and the Cockington Christmas Caper.

Harbours were also taking preventative action, with Brixham trawler basin filling up fast. Some vessels may be directed to Torquay Harbour for overflow berthing if Brixham reaches maximum capacity.  As there is an amber weather warning, the Met Office advice is to stay away from beaches and coastlines during the adverse weather conditions.

Torbay Council said: "We are activating our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for Saturday December 7 as well as yesterday, with additional accommodation for homeless people. Report concerns about rough sleepers on 01803 208723 or via our website.

Torquay United's FA Trophy against Horsham at Plainmoor was another casualty.

The club said: "With South Devon bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Darragh this weekend, and following consultation with both the Safety Advisory Group and Horsham FC, Saturday’s Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Plainmoor has been postponed.

"Although the hard work of our ground staff had given the pitch every chance of remaining  playable, the prospect of winds of up to 80mph hitting the area has provided serious cause for concern, especially for those making the journey down from West Sussex.

"With the safety of both sets of players, supporters and officials remaining everyone’s number one priority, the decision has been made to postpone this game, with the match now taking place on Tuesday December 10 instead (7.45pm KO).

Supporters are advised that all tickets purchased for Saturday’s fixture will remain valid for the rearranged date.

Any supporters who are unable to attend on Tuesday and require a refund as asked to email yellowarmy@torquayunited.com or phone 01803 328666 on Monday / Tuesday (9.30am to 4.30pm)