The clean-up operation on Devon’s roads is ongoing following the storms this week which caused flooding issues in a number of areas of the county.
Parts of Exeter and East Devon, including Tipton St John, Metcombe and Newton Poppleford, were hardest hit by the torrential downpours.
Roads were being swept last night and highways teams are continuing to clear silt, mud and debris, ahead of the risk of further rain showers forecast tomorrow (Thursday 11 May). As water levels go down, bridges and structures are being inspected for any potential damage.
Temporary traffic lights are in place on two sections of the A3052 at either end of Newton Poppleford. These are on Four Elms Hill, due to a collapse of the road, and on Exeter Road, Newton Poppleford, due to edge subsidence and a dangerous private wall.
Lower Way at Harpford and Hawkerland Road are both currently closed, with debris being cleared from Venn Ottery Road and Stoneyford, between Hawkerland Cross and Newton Poppleford.
“We’re also working closely with the Environment Agency to assess the impact of the flooding in a number of communities and how many properties have sustained damage from floodwater,” said the council.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “It is likely this is the worst flood experienced in Newton Poppleford for 50 years, exceeding the 2008 flood.”
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “The deluge of rainfall in some parts of the county was extremely intense and it led to localised flash flooding in several communities. Our highways teams are working hard to clear debris from roads to ensure that the network is safe. If you’re travelling on Devon’s roads, please keep your speed down, take extra care and drive according to conditions.”
The Environment Agency has field teams on the ground assisting the response and assessing the impacts of the flooding on flood defences, monitoring river levels, checking flood gates, and clearing trash screens. It is urging people to sign up for flood warnings at https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
