People are being urged to review their travel plans ahead of Storm Austen, with an amber wind warning highlighting the potential for damaging winds and disruption in parts of Devon overnight and tomorrow morning (Friday 23 October).
The Met Office amber warning runs from 1am to 10am, covering the morning commute. Within the amber warning area, gusts of 60–70mph are likely for a time, with around 80mph possible on exposed headlands.
A wider Yellow Weather Warning for wind, including Devon, remains in place from midnight to 5pm on Friday. Strong winds and heavy rain could affect journeys beyond the amber warning area, with winds gradually easing later in the day.
Road users across Devon should prepare for possible disruption, particularly on exposed roads and coastal routes. The Taw Bridge in Barnstaple and Torridge Bridge in Bideford may need to close if wind conditions make them unsafe, so road users should check for updates before setting out.
Along the south Devon coast, there is also concern about potential coastal flooding. Residents and visitors should keep up to date with forecasts and Environment Agency flood information, and avoid exposed coastal locations during the storm.
Heavy rain could also cause standing water and localised flooding on roads. Despite the recent dry weather, flooding remains a risk.
Devon County Council will have additional staff supporting its Network Operations Control Centre and highways response. However, the combination of difficult conditions and potentially high numbers of incidents means some hazards may take longer than usual to reach or clear.
Reports will be assessed and prioritised according to the risk they pose. Crews must also be able to work safely, and some operations, including removing fallen trees and branches, may need to wait until conditions improve. Roads may remain closed until hazards can be safely cleared.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“The amber warning means there is a greater likelihood of disruption, and we’re asking people in the areas affected to take time now to prepare.
“Please check the forecast for your location and consider whether you can postpone non-essential journeys during the strongest winds. People in the amber warning area, and anyone using exposed roads or coastal routes, should take particular care.
“Our highways teams will be working to keep people safe, but their own safety must come first too. They may be dealing with several incidents at once, and some work will have to wait until it is safe to proceed. Please bear with our crews as they prioritise the most urgent hazards.”
People are being reminded to:
- Check weather forecasts, road conditions and public transport updates before travelling;
- If a journey is necessary, allow extra time, reduce speed and leave more space between vehicles;
- Watch for fallen trees, branches and debris, particularly on minor roads and in darkness;
- Never walk, cycle or drive through floodwater. It can hide open drains, missing or displaced drain covers and other hazards, and may be deeper or faster-flowing than it appears;
- Keep away from exposed seafronts and coastal paths during dangerous conditions;
- Follow road closure signs and find a safe alternative route.
You can report fallen trees or branches affecting the highway here. For a highway emergency requiring immediate attention, call 0345 155 1004.
For travel updates, follow Devon Alerts on X and Facebook. The latest forecasts and weather warnings are available from the Met Office.