ROADS CHAOS AS HEAVY RAIN BRINGS FLOODING
DRIVERS and passengers had to be rescued from their cars on a major road in Cornwall yesterday, after heavy rain brought flash flooding.
On a day of high winds and long periods of rain, the A38 at Notter Bridge, near Saltash, quickly became inundated, leading to a number of vehicles becoming stranded.
The road was closed for around four hours while emergency workers drained the flood waters, and tailbacks several miles long built up in both directions.
Elsewhere in the Westcountry, villagers living alongside the rivers Axe and Yarty in East Devon were warned to take immediate action to protect themselves and their homes as a red flood alert was issued.
Last night, the alert was due to stay in place until noon today.
The Environment Agency said: “Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings.”
Earlier, gales lashed the Westcountry coast, with the Isles of Scilly and Berry Head, South Devon, facing the strongest gusts.
There were also reports of flooding in Newquay, with vehicles travelling through flood water pushing waves of water into people’s gardens.
Large waves of up to 20ft are predicted on the Westcountry’s north coast in the coming days.