Grand Western Canal and Devon roads update

Risk of evacuation for home owners in Halberton has receded, as Fire Brigade pumps are successfully lowering the level of flood water in a field adjacent to the breached Grand Western Canal.

Reinforced dams at either side of the breach are holding up.

Pumps are also removing water from the eastern end and western end of the canal to help regulate canal water levels.

Depth of the water, and the condition of the embankment is being constantly monitored, and the Council is hoping to reopen the road from Halberton to Sampford Peverell later this afternoon, conditions permitting.

Elsewhere:

Portland Avenue in Exmouth is closed after a hole approximately 6 foot deep has opened, as a result of heavy rainfall on already saturated ground.

The B3344 Teign Valley road is closed due to flooding.

The B3181 at Westcott is closed due to flooding.

And near North Molton, the road from Heasley Mill to Great Heasley is closed due to road surface deterioration.

While road and weather conditions are poor, the Council is advising the public:

To avoid non essential travel
Try not to travel in the dark
Don't proceed into flood water
Drive with caution - be aware of breaking distances and surface water
Stay up to date with weather and flood related news from the Environment Agency and Met Office. And listen to local radio stations for weather updates.

Further information

Visit the links below for the latest information on the floods in Devon and the South West.

Latest Environment Agency South West flood alerts - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/34678.aspx?type=Region&term=Southwest&from=fl

Helpful advice, information and updates on Flooding by the Environment agency - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspx

Latest Met Office South West weather warnings - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_warnings.html

You can also find live information by visiting the Twitter #devonaware hashtag.

For the latest school closure information please visit the Devon School Closures Info website - http://www.devonschoolclosures.info/#schools