Flood warnings and alerts have been issued across East Devon as Storm Dennis continues to batter Britain this evening (Saturday, February 15).
The Environment Agency (EA) says the River Otter, River Sid, River Clyst, River Axe and the lower Exe and Exmouth areas are all places of concern.
Wild weather is forecast to continue into the night and tomorrow (Sunday) – with huge waves crashing into the coast and roads turning to rivers.
Highways chiefs said this afternoon that Woolbrook Road in Sidmouth was shut due to ‘storm drain issues’.
Storm Dennis batters Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Rob Chidgey Photography
Sidmouth. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Woolbrook Road in Sidmouth. Picture: Lisa Hassan
Woolbrook Road in Sidmouth. Picture: Charly Rhodes
Flood warnings have been issued for the River Clyst and upper River Axe.
Flood alerts have been issued for the River Otter, River Sid, River Clyst, and the lower Exe and Exmouth areas.
Sea state #Wild at #BudleighSalterton #EastDevon #StormDennis @itvwestcountry @BBCBreaking @SkyNewsBreak pic.twitter.com/3RTUdrFJ7L
— GR (@PrestigeForU) February 15, 2020
The EA said of its flood warning for the River Clyst, from Broadclyst to Clyst St Mary, this afternoon: “Flooding is expected from Saturday afternoon and into Sunday.
“Heavy rain falling in the East Devon area has caused the River Clyst to rise and the river is forecast to continue rising through the night.
“Flooding is expected from around 4pm Saturday.
“We expect flooding to effect riverside locations and roads between Broadclyst and Clyst St Mary, including Broadclyst, Ashclyst, Clyston Mill, Sowton Barton, Newcourt Barton, the A3052 at Clyst Honiton, and the B3181 at Broadclyst.”
Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Woolbrook Road in Sidmouth. Picture: Lisa Hassan
It added of the flood warning for the upper River Axe, from Winsham to Axminster, today: “Properties and low lying areas around particular locations at risk include: Chard Junction – including the Three Counties Public House, Creamery and Broad Bridge areas Broom, Wadbrook, Axe Farm Weycroft – including Coaxden Cottages, Weycroft Mill and properties on the A358 around Weycroft Bridge B3165 at Mosterton and Clapton will start to flood first from around 4.30pm on Saturday.
“Water levels are expected to be high for the rest of the weekend.”
A flood warning is also in place for the River Yarty from Yarcombe to Axminster.
The EA says of places where flood warnings are in place: “Flood waters may be deep and fast-flowing in these areas.
“Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings.”
Storm Dennis batters Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Rob Chidgey Photography
Storm Dennis batters Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Rob Chidgey Photography
Storm Dennis batters Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Rob Chidgey Photography
Storm Dennis batters Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Rob Chidgey Photography
Flood alerts have been issued for the River Otter, River Sid, River Clyst, and the lower Exe and Exmouth areas.
It was pretty wild on the south coast today – here nr Branscombe @eastdevon @VisitDevon #StormCaira pic.twitter.com/KtvPUd4n2L
— Devon Days (@GreatDevonDays) February 9, 2020
The EA says of these areas: “Flooding is possible throughout the weekend.
“There has been heavy rainfall overnight into Saturday and river levels are rising. Specific areas of concern are low-lying land and roads close to rivers.
“Rain is forecast to continue throughout the weekend due to Storm Dennis. The heaviest downpours are forecast throughout Saturday afternoon and from the early hours of Sunday morning.
“This will cause river levels to remain high throughout the weekend.
“Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions.
“We are constantly monitoring river levels and have staff in the area checking for and clearing blockages in this location.”
Woolbrook Road in Sidmouth. Picture: Lisa Hassan
Woolbrook Road in Sidmouth. Picture: Lisa Hassan
Exeter Road in Exmouth. Picture: Georgina Foat
Exeter Road in Exmouth. Picture: Georgina Foat
Exmouth sea front just now. The beach is running away from the sea. pic.twitter.com/g62pX253MW
— Moose Allain Ꙭ (@MooseAllain) February 15, 2020
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;
- When the wind is at its peak, consider if your journey is really necessary, 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;
- Drive with care and according to the conditions.
For more information and travel advice, click here or follow @DevonAlert on Twitter.
The Brook running wild through #Otterton #EastDevon and feeding into the #RiverOtter #StormDennis @itvwestcountry @BBCBreaking @SkyNewsBreak pic.twitter.com/qiZ2UOm0tp
— GR (@PrestigeForU) February 15, 2020
River Otter running high at #TiptonStJohn #EastDevon #StormDennis@itvwestcountry @BBCBreaking @SkyNewsBreak pic.twitter.com/bssEYZDKC8
— GR (@PrestigeForU) February 15, 2020
Storm Dennis: Huge waves crash into Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Storm Dennis: Huge waves crash into Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Storm Dennis: Huge waves crash into Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Storm Dennis: Huge waves crash into Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Storm Dennis: Huge waves crash into Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
Storm Dennis: Huge waves crash into Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Simon Horn LRPS
#Dennis Sidmouth pic.twitter.com/zW6pHB1f7D
— JezzyD (@jezzytgl) February 15, 2020
East side of Sidmouth beach #StormDennis pic.twitter.com/272uDTyrnh
— Alastair Cummins (@AlastairCummins) February 15, 2020
Blowing a gale at #Sidmouth #EastDevon #StormDennis @itvwestcountry @BBCBreaking @SkyNewsBreak pic.twitter.com/E3Jv3HkXzE
— GR (@PrestigeForU) February 15, 2020
- To see more of Simon Horn’s photography, and to buy images, see here
To see more of Rob Chidgey’s photos, and to buy images, see here
