MORE than 268 Devon schools will not open today, Friday, February 18, according to the Local Education Authority, Devon County Council, due to Storm Eunice.

Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton as well as both of the town’s primary school’s, Hayward’s and Landscore, have confirmed that they will not open.

In an email sent yesterday, Thursday, to QE parents and carers, entitled "Extreme Weather", the Ted Wragg Academy Trust wrote: "As you will be aware there was already an amber weather warning for tomorrow which has now been upgraded to red for parts of the region.

"Some staff and students will not be able to travel safely and we have been warned of probable disruption to local bus and train services.

"Therefore, having taken advice from public sector agencies and in discussion with our Chair of Trustees, the Trust has decided to move to remote learning for the day for all secondary schools, on Friday, February 18."

Other local primary schools which have confirmed that they will not open today are Witheridge, Tedburn St Mary, Cheriton Bishop, Spreyton, North Tawton, Bow, Copplestone, Exbourne, South Tawton, Winkleigh, Dolton and Bickleigh.

Okehampton College has also confirmed that it will not open.

Many other schools have confirmed that there will be remote learning for students.

A full list of the closed schools can be found on the Devon County Council website at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/schools/closure/ .

In January 1990 a severe storm caused considerable damage in the Crediton area, including considerable damage to the roof of Sandford School.

For several weeks the children were taught at Sandford Congregational Church, in St Swithun’s Church and Sandford Parish Hall.

It is half-term for schools next week and children will return to lessons again on Monday, February 28.RED WARNINGA Red weather alert has been issued for parts of Devon today, Friday, February 18.People are being advised to avoid all but essential travel as Storm Eunice prepares to batter Devon.An amber weather warning is in place for the whole of the county on Friday, upgraded to a red “danger to life” warning in North Devon and Cornwall between 7am to midday – the first issued by the Met Office for wind since 2018.It says the gale force winds will be at their strongest in coastal areas of the south west, where they “could be in excess of 90 mph.”Anything above 75 mph is classed as a hurricane on the Beaufort Wind Scale.There is also an increasing likelihood of widespread inland wind gusts of 60-70 mph (classed as a violent storm above 64 mph) and up to 80 mph in a few places.The strong winds also expected to continue over the weekend.The Exeter-based Met Office says Eunice may cause “significant disruption” on the county’s roads, and that there is a good chance that flying debris could result in “a danger to life”.Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down. Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.On the coast, flooding and large waves are likely. During these times people are advised to stay away from coastal paths and coastal areas as beach debris is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.Devon County Council is asking its residents to consider postponing journeys, and to avoid travelling unless “absolutely essential.”The county council will provide the latest travel updates on Twitter: @DevonAlert and via: www.devon.gov.uk/news .