Devon braces for 70mph winds

Torbay is gearing up for possible wind gusts of up to 70mph as Storm Éowyn moves across the country over the next couple of days.

The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for wind from 7am to 6pm tomorrow (Thursday, 23 January) and all day Friday (24 January).

It has also issued a Yellow Weather Warning for heavy rain on Friday from midnight until 9am.

Devon County Council's highways teams have prepared extra resources to respond to any issues, with additional tree surgeons on standby and extra staff being called into the Network Operations Control Centre.

An initial band of rain will move across the county tomorrow with the strongest wind gusts of 50mph-60mph, most likely on exposed coasts and hills, ahead of storm conditions ramping up.

On Friday, Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring heavier rain, and localised flooding is possible.

Widespread areas of the county are due to see up to 25mm of rain and as much as 60mm on high ground. Wind speeds are expected to reach around 70mph.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “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. Although there are currently no weather warnings in place for Devon over the weekend, further rain is forecast on Sunday, with winds also expected to pick up again throughout the day. Please be aware of the conditions, take extra care, and don’t try to drive through floodwater.”

There is also a chance that road surface temperatures will drop below freezing over the next few days, and Devon's gritters may well be called into action. They are out on most of the county’s main salting routes this afternoon and tonight.

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;

• Be alert to weather warnings and keep up to date via @Devonalert;

• 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 the County Council's Winter Travel pages, or for updates, follow @DevonAlert on X (Twitter) and Facebook.