Advice to take extra care with Storm Agnes on its way

Road users are being urged to take extra care on Devon’s roads from tomorrow afternoon (Wed 27 Sept) with the Met Office forecasting the possibility of disruption from the first named storm of this autumn season.

Storm Agnes is expected to impact most of the county and a Yellow Weather Warning for strong winds has been issued by the Met Office from midday tomorrow until 7am on Thursday morning.

Wind gusts could reach up to 60mph, particularly in coastal areas.

Devon County Council has drafted extra staff into its control centre to monitor the network, and Devon Highways has placed more teams on standby to deal with any issues that may crop up on the roads.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:

“We’ve already seen horrendous conditions this autumn with the recent heavy rain, but Storm Agnes is the first named storm this season and the Met Office has warned about the potential of extremely strong winds. There is a chance of trees, branches and other debris being blown onto the highway so please take extra care.

“Additional staff will be on duty to cope with any increase in calls to the control centre and Devon Highways will have extra teams ready to call upon if needed. If you’re out on Devon’s roads, particularly when its dark, 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.”

Although rain is forecast for a time tomorrow, it is not included within the weather warning. However, following the recent flash floods, further downpours on already saturated ground may lead to surface water issues.

Devon County Council is reminding people of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with poorer visibility;
• 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;
• Never drive through floodwater or swollen flowing water, you don’t know how deep it is. Find an alternative route;
• Allow additional time for your journey;
• 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.