POWER cuts have hit homes across the Crediton area and wider parts of Devon as a result of Storm Eunice which has been battering the district, Western Power Distribution reports.

Hundreds of homes in Crediton and a large number of villages have been without power today, some homes not expected to have power returned before 6pm today.

The company reported earlier: “Storm Eunice is now making her presence felt in our South West and South Wales regions.”

There are currently reports of power failures for some in Coldridge, Zeal Monachorum, Poughill, Witheridge and many other areas.

The Waie Inn at Zeal Monachorum has issued a statement which reads: “For those in the village without electricity, at the moment the Waie Inn still has electricity.

“If you need flasks filling for hot water or some food, pop down if it’s safe to do so.”

Western Power says that there are more than 170 power cuts in the region with thousands of homes without power.

If you lose power you can report it using the 10 number or via other contact methods.

ON THE ROADS

There have been significant problems on the roads in the Crediton area.

At Half Moon between Exeter and Crediton a tree and telegraph pole came down, which resulted in the closure of the A377 at that location.

Long queues resulted and alternative routes, mainly around Langford and Shobrooke, saw many blocked roads.Hanlons Brewery has been praised for delivering coffee, tea and water to those stranded on a bus in the queue of traffic.Margaret Snell said on social media: “Thank you so much, very much appreciated.”

There have been more than 100 fallen trees in the county, Devon County Council has confirmed.

This has caused significant problems for motorists.

This has included on the A377 at Lapford, between Bow and Okehampton on the A3072, at North Tawton and Farley’s Grave, at Raddon Hill, Cheriton Fitzpaine and between Witheridge and Nomansland.

Several large branches have come down on roads and been cleared, including by Crediton Rugby Club.

In addition, Network Rail has said that all services in the county have been stopped until further notice.

SPORT DISRUPTION

Storm Eunice looks set to play havoc with the weekend’s sporting schedule as high winds and rain batter the region.

The South West Peninsula League, which sits at Step Six on the non-league ladder, is letting clubs call games off without the need for a pitch inspection.

A league spokesman said: “All clubs have been emailed to advise that the Severe Weather Protocol has been invoked for this weekend.

“Host clubs can now postpone games without inspection, but must contact league match officials and opponents.”

Reasons cited for the decision include the various severe weather warnings, potential damage to facilities and restrictions on travel.

Exeter City has postponed tomorrow’s match against Barrow due to damage to the “integrity of the Big Bank”.

RECYCLING CENTRES

Recycling centres across Devon are closed today due to the weather.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “Due to the amber/red warnings for #StormEunice, all Household Waste Recycling Centres across Devon will be CLOSED on Friday, February 18 (due to the significant risk of flying debris at sites). We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

EXTRA STAFF

Extra staff have been drafted in to Devon County Council’s Network Operations Control Centre and extra highways teams have been responding as Devon faced Storm Eunice today.

Teams of tree-surgeons were drafted in and have been busy all day.

In Crediton a number of garden fences have blown down and at the Barnfield allotments, a number of sheds have been blown over.

WEATHER WARNINGS

Two weather alerts are in place. The “danger to life” Red Warning issued by the Met Office has now ended but the Met Office says that there have still been gusts of more than 80mph.

The Amber Warning is expected to run until 9pm and gusts of up to 60mph are to be expected this evening.

Drivers have been urged to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Please tell us if you notice anything that others need to be warned about but please stay safe yourself.

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