Region braced for a battering by storms
Warning of 70mph winds, heavy rain
Road and rail traffic was facing the threat of disruption today as the Westcountry braced for high winds and heavy rain.
The Tamar bridge is expected to be subject to lane closures and vehicle restrictions when a 11-hour storm hits Devon, and Cornwall, with winds up to 70mph, rainstorms and flooding.
CrossCountry Trains services between Exeter and Newton Abbot were disrupted again yesterday, and the company warned of possible disruption again today – after the line was closed for much of Wednesday because of spray coming over the sea wall at Dawlish.
Road and rail traffic was facing the threat of disruption today as the Westcountry braced for high winds and heavy rain.
The Tamar bridge is expected to be subject to lane closures and vehicle restrictions when a 11-hour storm hits Devon, and Cornwall today, with winds up to 70mph, rainstorms and flooding.
CrossCountry Trains services between Exeter and Newton Abbot were disrupted again yesterday, and the company warned of possible disruption again today.
For a time on Wednesday the line was closed to all services, including GWR, whose trains are usually able to cope with the spray coming over the sea wall at Dawlish.
GWR also said that due to forecasted severe weather between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot some lines were blocked yesterday. Disruption was expected until 8.30pm yesterday, with replacement bus services laid on.
The Tamar Bridge & Torpoint Ferry Committee, which manages the Tamar bridge, has warned that lane and vehicle restrictions are likely to be put in place today, causing long delays for motorists.
Delays on the bridge are likely to be made worse by problems on the Torpoint Ferry. Ferry maintenance problems have left drivers stuck for hours, often with only one ferry operating during the busiest periods.
The Isles of Scilly Skybus was cancelled yesterday because of the weather.
Travel warnings come after the Met Office issued an updated 11-hour “Yellow” weather alert for all of the South West, between 1pm and midnight today.
CrossCountry Trains said last night: “We currently expect that services may not be able to operate between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids, between 4.30pm and 9.30pm. We are constantly monitoring the weather conditions for updates and, once we have more information, we will update with advice, including alternative travel arrangements.” Customers who travelled yesterday and were subsequently delayed by 30 minutes or more may be entitled to compensation. Alternatively, customers who do not travel and do not use their tick- ets due to the disruption, can apply for a full refund for their unused tickets from their point of purchase, without an administration charge.”
Weather watchers Southwest Storm Chasers warned people to stay away from cliff edges, sea fronts and coastal paths as “there is danger to life”. Its facebook page said: "Rain will be accompanied by strong winds with gusts of 35mph to 50mph possible inland – and perhaps 60mph to 70mph around some coasts.”
The Met Office said: “A band of heavy rain is expected to move east during Friday with widely 15-25mm of rain falling and perhaps 50mm over higher ground. This will be in addition to other spells of heavy rain earlier in the week affecting a similar area. Rain will be accompanied by strong winds with gusts of 50mph possible inland and perhaps 60mph around some coasts.”
‘Rain will be accompanied by strong winds with gusts of 50mph’
Met Office