DEVON County Council is urging people to take care and remain vigilant as bad weather continues in the South West.

High winds and heavy rainfall have caused localised flooding and disruption on many of Devon’s roads, and motorists are being advised to take extra care.

Locally there were flooded roads at Yeoford, Morchard Bishop, Sandford, Fordton and on the A3072 at North Tawton and at Crediton Rugby Club and on the A377 near Downes Bridge.

People are also being urged to avoid coastal and river areas as the severe weather continues to cause water levels to rise and waves to over top seafronts.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highway management and flood prevention, said: “With strong winds and heavy rainfall there is lots of surface water and localised flooding around, and also a risk of trees down, so conditions can be difficult on the county’s roads. Our highways teams deal with incidents as they arise, but people need to be prepared for the possibility of disruption.

“Please check the weather forecast and avoid travelling unless absolutely essential during bad weather.

“We would also like to remind people not to drive through floodwater, and avoid exposed coasts during storm conditions. Also please be aware that road closure signs are put up for safety reasons and people should not move them or tamper with them, as it could put others at risk.”

The advice in bad weather is:

• Don’t travel unless absolutely essential – stay safe and stay home if possible.

• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed

• Drive with care and according to the conditions

• Do not attempt to drive through flood water

• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, check to see how they could possibly be helped

• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.

For the latest information and travel advice follow DCC’s Highways Operations Control Centre Manager on Twitter via @HughHOCC or the Emergency Planning Team via @DevonAlert.

Winter weather advice can be found on the website: www.devon.gov.uk/winter .

To view the latest coast path closures and safety advice go to: www.southwestcoastpath.com .

Further information and links to relevant agencies can be found on the website: http://www.devon.gov.uk/flooding.htm .

Alan Quick