Flooding: more bad weather to come...

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND has been put on an amber warning this evening for more bad weather for tomorrow (Thursday 22 November). Heavy rain could cause more flooding and delays on Devon's roads, which saw many problems today across the region, including Exmouth. Flood water today hit properties in Exton and there are also unconfirmed reports that properties were affected by flooding in Exmouth's New Street...

The Met Office issued the amber warning this afternoon. A spokesman said that, "A spell of wet and windy weather is expected to move west to east across many parts of the UK during Thursday. Coming so soon after the heavy rain which fell in many places on Wednesday, this is likely to provoke further issues with flooding. Additionally, winds will gust to 50 to 60 mph in many places, and even 70 mph in some exposed western areas.

"In view of the wind and rain combination, the public should be prepared for transport disruption."

In addition, the Environment Agency has issued nearly 50 flood warnings for South West England. These include flood warnings for the River Clyst at Clyst St Mary,

Today's problems

There were numerous problems today across South Devon's roads. In the Exmouth area these included:

A376: the main road between Exmouth and Exeter was closed at Summer Lane.

A376: a single lane at Clyst St George to Clyst St Mary, coming up to the roundabout, with a car broken down in the flood water. At 5pm there were reports of cars still stuck in water Clyst St George

Flooding on Halsdon Road and St. Johns Road

Large amount of surface water on Salterton Road

Clyst Road, Topsham

Properties flooded

Flood water affected properties in Exton, near Exmouth. "We've never experienced this before and we've only been here since June," a householder told the BBC. "It's not a flooded area. You can't be miserable about it, you've got to get on with it, haven't you?"

Devon County Council has also reported that there was flooding in Exmouth's New Street. However Exmouth People has been unable to confirm this at present.

Numerous incidents

From 2.30am onwards, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service were called to numerous incidents. By mid-morning firefighters had attended 51 incidents due to flooding. In total they received 311 calls for assistance. As well as 18 rescues from vehicles caught in floodwater, one involved two people were attempting to rescue cattle.  

Advice to drivers

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have issued the following advice to drivers:

• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast.
• Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded. Vehicles can float away in just 2 feet of water
• If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately if safe to do so and seek higher ground.   
• Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels; these can cause serious injuries or even death     

Have you got photos of today's flooding in the Exmouth area?  If so, we'd love to see them on Exmouth People! Email them to: paul.strange@thelocalpeople.co.uk