Drivers urged not to drive on Moors as clear-up operation continues

Drivers are being urged not to drive on roads across Dartmoor and Exmoor as the clear-up operation continues.

Road conditions on the National Parks’ road network, especially on higher ground, have been described as ‘treacherous’ by Devon County Council’s Highways Operations Centre with many roads still impassable.

Ice and snow are still wide spread across many routes.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet Member for Highways said: “Please avoid driving today on routes across the National Parks. I would urge resident who live locally to please stay within your communities, we are working hard to restore access.

“Thawing snow and ice is widespread on many routes roads and our crews are clearing and treating the minor roads many of which are currently impassable.
 
“Driving in these conditions can be hazardous and any vehicles on the road will also hamper the clean-up operation and could delay the speed that we are able to clear these routes.”

Stagecoach South West's bus services have returned to normal on many of the main routes.

Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “I am pleased to advise that the South West Falcon’s hourly service is running as normal, between Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol, with Taunton coming back on line very soon. 

“Regarding our other services across the region, we have reinstated main road services in Exeter, including the Park and Ride. We are also running the 2 bus from Exeter to Newton Abbot.

“In Torbay, the popular route 12 is now back in full operation and other services in the area are quickly coming back online.

“We are also running a full service in Plymouth City, including 1, 2 and Park and Ride Services, and in North Devon, the main route 21 is also now back running a full service.

“While most of our core routes are back to normal, there are some areas which we still cannot serve and customers are advised to check for updates on our website: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/regional-service-updates/south-west "

Exeter Airport reopened this morning and Flybe are operating flights as scheduled

The train line in Dawlish has reopened in both directions after being closed due to flooding earlier this morning.

The Met Office is forecasting further rain with sleet and snow likely, but temperatures will gradually rise.

The five day forecast for Devon is as follows.

Today:

Hazardous ice and snow across the region to start the day. Outbreaks or rain are likely at times. Temperatures lifting above zero, which will start to melt some of the ice and snow. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Tonight:

Further outbreaks of rain are likely to continue overnight, as the air starts to become less cold than recent days. Minimum temperature -2 °C.

Sunday:

Further outbreaks of rain at times, although a few brighter spells are likely to develop too. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Further outbreaks of rain likely at times, but some drier and brighter spells too. Temperatures less cold than recent days. An increasing chance of mist and fog.