Storm Bert act now rare red flood warning issued in Devon

Shania King-Soyza
·2-min read
The red flood warning
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Devon residents are being warned to act now for possible flooding this afternoon, Saturday, November 23, into Sunday. Storm Bert is due to bring heavy rain, raising the River Teign throughout the weekend.

The floodwaters are likely to first hit properties and low-lying areas around Ventiford Cottages, Ventiford Bridge, School Cottages at Teigngrace, businesses at Teignbridge Level Crossing, Sandford Orleigh Farm, and Exeter Road.

According to the Environmental Agency: "Flood waters may be deep and fast-flowing in these areas. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings."

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The Flood Warning says: "Flooding is expected on Saturday afternoon, 23rd November, and overnight into Sunday. Heavy rain falling in the area will continue throughout Saturday and Sunday. This is causing the River Teign to rise and the river is forecast to continue rising throughout Saturday and overnight.

"Properties and low lying areas around Ventiford Cottages and properties around Ventiford Bridge, School Cottages at Teigngrace, businesses at Teignbridge Level Crossing, Sandford Orleigh Farm and the Exeter Road, will start to flood first.

"Flood waters may be deep and fast flowing in these areas. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings. We will be closely monitoring the situation throughout the day and this message will be updated as the situation changes."

The flood warning area includes riverside properties and roads between Chudleigh and Kingsteignton, including New Bridge, Ventiford, Preston, Teigngrace, Teign Bridge and Exeter Road.

There is also a whole raft of flood alerts in place across Devon.

There are currently yellow warnings for floods across the South West with possible power cuts. The Met Office's Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: "Storm Bert is what we call a ‘multi-hazard event’, bringing snow, rain and wind to the UK for the majority of the weekend.

"Multiple National Severe Weather Warnings are in place and will be added to and amended over the weekend. It’s possible this may be at short notice, so it is important people keep up to date with the very latest forecast."

Devon and Cornwall Police has asked drivers to consider whether they need to travel. Ch Insp Dean Drury said: "There is always that concern that there may be flood water on the road, debris on the road, or there may even be trees that have fallen.

"We are not saying absolutely do not drive, but we are saying if you think you don't need to drive then it might be more sensible not to."

He added: "If you are unsure, we would always advise not to drive through any form of flood water especially if you expect it to be more than 10cm of four inches deep. Fast moving water is also very powerful and could sweep your car away.

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