Storm Goretti is forecast to hit Devon later today (Thursday 8 January), bringing with it a mixture of disruptive weather conditions which could impact parts of the county.
Exceptionally strong winds could cause most damage, with the Met Office issuing a Yellow Weather Warning for strong winds in the county from 3pm this afternoon until 8am tomorrow morning.
Wind speeds of up to 70mph are expected on exposed coasts and hills in Devon. However, with the most severe Red Weather Warning currently in place for Cornwall and near to north west Devon, wind strengths across the county could potentially increase.
The Taw Bridge in Barnstaple and Torridge Bridge in Bideford will close at some point this afternoon or tonight if wind gusts are as strong as forecast.
While an initial Yellow Weather Warning for snow has now been cancelled, there remains a risk of snow and wintry showers in some areas. Some of Devon’s gritting fleet will be heading out from around 6pm tonight on mainly higher routes.
Devon County Council has drafted in extra staff to its Network Operations Control Centre, additional gritting teams are ready to go, and tree surgeons are also on standby to help clear any fallen trees.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“Storm Goretti is creating an extremely changeable picture for us. The strength of the wind is causing most concern in our region, but as well as damaging winds, we may see issues caused by rain and snow in Devon. It’s very likely this storm could cause some disruption across the county this evening and overnight, but you may also come across debris and fallen trees tomorrow morning, so please expect the unexpected.”
Devon County Council is advising people to take extra care on Devon’s roads, plan travel in advance where possible, particularly if you need to check if public transport services are running, and avoid any unnecessary journeys.
People are being reminded of the following advice:
• Be alert to fallen trees and branches, particularly on minor roads where they may not have been reported;
• Allow additional time for your journey. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front to improve visibility if there is spray from vehicles on wet roads, and to give you more stopping distance in wet or icy conditions;
• Never drive through floodwater or swollen flowing water, you don’t know how deep it is. Find an alternative route;
• Be extremely cautious if you are in coastal areas, as large waves are expected. Large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties could cause injuries and danger to life;
• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions;
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;
• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over.
• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.
More information and advice is available on our winter travel webpages or for updates follow @DevonAlert on X (Twitter) and Facebook.