FLOODING due to heavy rain from Storm Chandra overnight has left many roads in the Crediton area impassable.

Police have advised people not to travel unless they “urgently need to”.

Flooding at Half Moon. An abandoned car can be seen in the floodwater
Flooding at Half Moon. An abandoned car can be seen in the floodwater (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The A377 is currently flooded and impassable at Half Moon and Ladds Guns, and several cars have been abandoned.

Abandoned cars in floodwater at Ladds Guns
Abandoned cars in floodwater at Ladds Guns (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The River Yeo has burst its banks at Fordton, and there is surface water on the A377 between Crediton and Copplestone, on the A3072 between Crediton and Bickleigh, and on the A396 between Exeter and Tiverton at Stoke Canon.

The River Yeo at Fordton has burst its banks
The River Yeo at Fordton has burst its banks (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton is closed “due to flooding making it unsafe for a significant number of staff and students to travel safely”.

Inundated rugby pitches at Creedy Bridge
Inundated rugby pitches at Creedy Bridge (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “There is widespread disruption of the roads particularly across Exeter, East and Mid Devon this morning, with many roads becoming impassable.

Drivers braving high water at Creedy Bridge
Drivers braving high water at Creedy Bridge (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“Please do not travel in those areas at this time unless you urgently need to.

A Mid Devon District Council recycling lorry wading through floodwater at Creedy Bridge
A Mid Devon District Council recycling lorry wading through floodwater at Creedy Bridge (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“We are experiencing an increase in reports of people coming up against floodwater.

“Please do not attempt to drive through it. The weather is improving but rivers are still responding to earlier heavy rainfall.

“Motorists are also being asked not to attempt alternative routes around the affected areas as these are also becoming treacherous, with the fire service currently dealing with several incidents of cars becoming stuck in water.

“Emergency services and partner agencies are working together to respond to incidents and close roads.”