Drivers warned to take care in wet weather this weekend

Devon County Council is asking road users to travel with care over the next few days and into the weekend as heavy rain is forecast and flooding likely in several areas.

Currently highways teams are working to clear flooding in several places including at the Countess Wear Roundabout in Exeter. 

A Yellow Weather Warning is in place until tomorrow and another is in place on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

Heavy rain is forecast, especially over high ground with many places within the warning area seeing 10-15 mm of rain. 

However, some areas may see as much as 30mm with the potential for shorter lived, more intense spells of rain almost anywhere.

While the amounts are not particularly high, rainfall on already saturated ground is likely to cause flooding on some roads, particularly those near water courses.

This could make weekend driving conditions hazardous in some places the council is warning.

Devon County Council has extra stand-by resources available through their contractor Skanska if needed.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, the Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for highways, said: “Rain will be heavy at times and could cause localised surface flooding on roads.

“We’re asking people to remember not to attempt to drive through roads that have been temporarily closed, or floodwater, and to be aware of the likelihood of debris on the highway.

“Motorists should drive with caution and remember in wet conditions stopping distances will increase.

“Plan your journey this weekend and allow extra time.

“We’ll be closely monitoring the highway around the clock throughout the weekend.”

For more information and to stay up to date on any issues on Devon’s roads, follow @DevonAlert on Twitter.