Storm Bert is on its way - News
The upcoming storm that is expected to hit Devon has been labeled as Storm Bert by the Met Office. This weekend, the region should prepare for heavy rain and powerful winds.
The Met Office has announced a Yellow Weather Warning for rain starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday and lasting until 11:45 p.m. on Sunday.
A Yellow Weather Warning has been issued for high winds, starting at 3 PM on Saturday and lasting until 9 PM on Sunday.
Dartmoor is forecasted to receive as much as 120mm of rain over the weekend, while other areas of the county may see between 10mm and 40mm of precipitation.
Winds could hit speeds of up to 70 mph along the coast and in other exposed locations, while some inland areas might experience gusts of around 60 mph.
Over the coming months, Devon is projected to experience about 14 flood alerts and between 10 and 12 flood warnings, with South Dartmoor and East Devon likely being the most impacted areas.
During the storm, transportation options such as roads, trains, flights, and ferry services might be affected. Additionally, there could be dangers from flying objects, and material from the beach may be carried onto the coastal roads.
There will be a flood warning issued for the South Devon Coastal region to account for the high tide expected in the morning.
Our highway teams, along with arborists, will be ready for action.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, who oversees Highways Management on the Cabinet, stated:
Like past storms, there's a possibility that Storm Bert may lead to travel delays.
“We understand that storms can affect our roadways, which may lead to surface water accumulation and debris on the streets. Please adjust your driving to match the conditions and stay alert for any unforeseen dangers you might encounter.”
Many leaves remain on the trees, and the wind is expected to shake loose a lot of them. This could result in clogged drains and ditches, potentially disrupting road drainage systems.
“We'll have teams ready to respond to any problems that come up, and we'll be collaborating with Town and Parish wardens to inform us about blocked drains. We'll also take care of small leaf cleanup when it's feasible and safe. Additionally, we appreciate any help from local residents.”
We want to remind everyone of these helpful tips:
• Stay vigilant for downed trees and branches, especially on lesser-traveled roads, as they might not have been officially reported.
• Think about whether your trip is necessary and stay aware of any weather alerts.
• Give yourself extra time for your trip, and avoid driving through flooded areas or fast-moving water, as you can’t be sure how deep it is. Look for different routes to take.
Slow down and maintain a greater distance from the car in front of you. Also, make sure to give yourself ample space when passing another vehicle.
• Be cautious while driving and adjust your speed to match the current conditions.
Tune in to your local radio station for the latest information on the weather.
To learn more and get travel tips, check out our winter travel pages. You can also stay updated by following @DevonAlert on Twitter (X) and Facebook.
