More unpleasant weather is on its way
After storms yet again battered Devon overnight, weather experts have warned of more difficult conditions to come.
The Met Office forecast for the next five days is as follows:
Today:
A windy day with gales and scattered blustery showers. Some lengthy bright spells developing this afternoon as winds slowly ease and gales become mostly confined to coasts and exposed locations. Maximum Temperature 11 °C.
Tonight:
Winds will become light overnight, but showers will continue, the odd heavy one near western coasts. Some lengthy clear, dry periods in the east. Minimum Temperature 1 °C.
Saturday:
A mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers, possibly heavy with a risk of hail and thunder. Inland locations in the east most likely to remain dry. Turning chilly later. Maximum Temperature 9 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Sunday, a few showers, otherwise bright and dry before wet and windy weather arrives overnight. Rain clearing on Monday to showers. Tuesday, wet and windy for most. Gales at times.People are being urged to remain vigilant both out and about, on the roads and at home.
Experts are warning coastal paths may be at risk of landslides which could also pose a danger to those out walking on beaches. In addition, river banks could also present a similar danger.
To find out about the availability of sandbags, residents should contact their local district council. They will also be able to assist with any accommodation needs following a flood.
In an emergency, residents should always call 999 and ask for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue if floodwater has entered their home.
The Environment Agency has advice on what to do before, during and after a flood. There is also information from the Know Your Flood Risk Campaign group.
The national flood forum website also has lots of useful information for property owners.
Motorists are being reminded not to drive through flood water and to extra care if travelling on the county’s roads over the coming days.
Information and advice on England’s motorways and trunk roads is available on the Highways Agency website or by calling the Highways Agency Information line on 0300 123 5000. 12 For more information and advice go to www.devon.gov.uk/winter or for updates on twitter, follow @Devonroads.
Motorists are reminded of the following advice:
Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures.
Never assume a road has been salted
Remember that 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.
Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed
Drive with care and according to the conditions.
If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell
Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.
