Storm Henk: Crediton to Barnstaple rail line closed and motorists …
STORM Henk is having an effect for travellers in the Crediton area.
GWR has announced that due to heavy rain, flooding on the railway between Crediton and Barnstaple, has caused the closure of the rail line.
It says that train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Disruption is expected on the Tarka Line until 3pm.
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Please check with the train operators before attempting to travel by train.
ROAD USERS ADVISED TO TAKE CARE
Road users are being urged to take extra care today, Tuesday, January 2, after the Met Office issued an Amber Wind Warning across northern Devon and a Yellow Weather warning across the rest of the county.
They have forecasted high winds and the possibility of disruption 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.
The A30 has one lane closed near Whiddon Down due to flooding of the highway.
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.
A flooded road near Coldridge. AQ 2875 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Some roads and bridges could close and damage to some buildings is likely, such as tiles blown from roofs.
Flying debris is likely and there is a chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
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.
Councillor 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.