Storm Bert Causes Flooding and Travel Disruption in Devon and Cornwall

Storm Bert is impacting Devon and Cornwall, leading to flood warnings, fallen trees throughout the area, and numerous properties experiencing power outages. Devon and Cornwall Police has issued guidance to individuals in the South West, recommending they “only travel when necessary.” Concurrently, Great Western Railway (GWR) has suspended all train services operating between London Paddington and Penzance, which typically pass through Exeter St Davids and Plymouth. GWR also reported additional service cancellations across its network attributed to the storm. The Environment Agency has issued a total of 25 flood warnings and 35 flood alerts for Devon, alongside three flood warnings and 15 flood alerts for Cornwall. A section of the A30 in Cornwall is currently impassable following a multi-vehicle collision. Supt Si Jenkinson of Devon and Cornwall Police stated: “The weather is causing significant issues across the two counties with flooding and debris affecting all routes.” Highways personnel are addressing multiple fallen trees throughout the region. The Met Office has put in place yellow weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain, covering Devon and Cornwall, which are valid until Sunday evening. In north Devon, emergency fire services responded to a flooded property located in the village of Clovelly. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service commented: “We were called to a property with internal flooding on Clifford Mill Road at about 07:30 GMT.” They added: “We worked to make all electrics safe and left the property at 09:00. The area is experiencing flooding due to Storm Bert.” Devon County Highways reported receiving approximately 300 calls concerning storm-related disruption since Saturday evening. Steve Marks, who serves as the area duty manager for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly at the Environment Agency, stated: “It’s really our rivers in Devon and also east Cornwall which have had the most rain and the bigger rivers are continuing to rise.” He continued: “We’re expecting more rainfall throughout the day so it really is an important message to please stay up to date with what the rivers are doing through our flood warning service.” Marks further advised: “And of course, be safe, be prepared and be ready to act if those rivers do potentially cause flooding.” The Dartmouth Higher Ferry in south Devon has ceased operations because of the prevailing weather conditions. The National Grid indicated that its teams operated overnight to assist in restoring electricity to approximately 5,000 residences. Reports of power outages have emerged throughout Devon and Cornwall, and officials have cautioned the public to avoid any fallen electricity poles or power lines.