Emergency crews and council teams on full alert

Marc Astley
Authored by Marc Astley
Posted Saturday, December 22, 2012 - 10:03am

County Council highways teams and social care staff are on high alert ready to respond to potential flooding and other emergency incidents this weekend.

Reports this morning (Saturday 22 December) have already come in of property flooding in Cornwall and Devon, as the South West prepares for another deluge.

Devon County Council  and the emergency services are warning residents to take care and remain alert to flooding.

Specifically the public are advised  to take care and to avoid if possible cliff top coastal paths where recent rain has already resulted in land slips.

Overnight there has been heavy rain falling in southern Cornwall and south west Devon.  Lighter rain is forecast throughout the day with heavy rain expected to fall again across northern Cornwall and Devon later today, especially on high ground.  A further band of rain is expected across the counties early into Sunday morning.

Persistent rain earlier this week means there is an increased risk of surface water and river flooding as well as the potential for fallen trees and landslips, particularly in areas where the ground is already saturated.

Motorists are advised not to drive through flood water or fords with heightened flows because they could put their lives in danger, or the lives of others who may have to rescue them.

Also the wash created through driving through flood water can have devastating effect on properties.

Driving at night in these conditions can be especially hazardous as some storm damage or floods are not readily visible.

Listen and take head of weather forecast and drive appropriate for the conditions. Don’t drive too fast and remember increased braking distances.

Driver should also be aware that problems on minor roads may not be brought to the attention of the highways teams or the emergency services straight away, so are advised to travel carefully.

Devon County Councillor Stuart Hughes, who is responsible for the county’s highways, said:

“We’re asking people yet again to stay alert to the dangers of flood water and poor driving conditions.   Follow the advice that the authorities are giving and listen out for updates on local radio and Twitter.”

The Council’s Highways Teams are working with colleagues at the Met Office, the Environment Agency and Devon and Cornwall Police to monitor the situation over the coming days, and are ready to respond to emergencies.

Met Office weather warnings for the South West are issued online here –http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_warnings.html

Further information and advice about the weather, including the details of agencies involved in dealing with the impacts of severe weather, can be found on the Met Office website here –http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html

The Environment Agency flood warnings for the South West are online here – http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/34678.aspx?type=Region&term=Southwest&from=fl

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