A series of 'act now' flood warnings have been issued across Devon ahead of gale force winds and very high tides set to hit over night. The Environment Agency says tides along the North Devon coast are expected to be around 20cm than usual, while meteorologists say powerful winds pushing 75mph will blow in from the north west.
These combined factors mean flooding is expected across a number of communities in the north of the county. The EA said: "Large waves and spray are likely so take care near coastal paths and promenades.
"Conditions may cause localised standing water on roads in these areas. Do not drive through flood water or waves."
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Flooding is most likely during high tides both this evening (April 8) and tomorrow morning (April 9) and households living in low-lying or exposed coastal area have been warned to 'act now'. Drivers are urged not to drive through flood water.
From 4pm today a severe wind warning will come into effect from the Met Office, warning of 'danger to life' from flying debris. It remains in place until 6am on Tuesday morning. Some communities may experience power cuts, caused by 75mph winds, and there is a risk of building and property damage.
There may also be some delays to public transport caused by either flooding or bridge/travel restrictions. The Met Office says: "A spell of strong winds will affect this region from late Monday afternoon, (when this swathe of gales reaches the Isles of Scilly), until Tuesday morning, when winds reduce along Bristol Channel coasts.
"Gusts will reach 45-55mph widely and 60-65mph along some exposed coasts, mainly in the south of the warning area. There is a possibility that a few locations in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and south Devon could see gusts to around 75mph. Large waves in combination with high tides may cause some impacts along coasts."
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Flood warnings
Tidal River Torridge from Weare Giffard to Bideford
Flooding is expected within the Tidal River Torridge over the high tide on Tuesday morning 9th April. High water at Ilfracombe is at 07:15 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Gale force 8 North Westerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 3.8m are forecast to cause flooding to low-lying properties. Conditions may apply two hours either side of the high tide. Expect tides to be around 200 mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
Large waves and spray are likely so take care near coastal paths and promenades. This may cause localised standing water on roads. Do not drive through flood water or waves.
Coastal conditions should ease for Tuesday evenings high tide, however we are continuing to monitor the situation and will issue updates if the situation changes.
North Devon coastal communities, including Westward Ho! and Combe Martin
Flooding is expected for Clovelly, Westward Ho!, Watermouth Cove and Combe Martin over the high tide on Tuesday morning 9th April. High water at Ilfracombe is at 07:15 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Gale force 8 North Westerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 3.8m are forecast to cause flooding to properties at low lying or exposed parts of coastal communities in North Devon. Conditions may apply two hours either side of the high tide. Expect tides to be around 200mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
Large waves and spray are likely so take care near coastal paths and promenades. Conditions may cause localised standing water on roads in these areas. Do not drive through flood water or waves. The tidal gates at Ilfracombe have been closed.
Tidal River Taw from Bishops Tawton to Barnstaple
Flooding is expected for the Tidal River Taw over the high tide on Tuesday morning 9th April. High water at Ilfracombe is at 07:15 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Gale force 8 North Westerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 3.8m are forecast to cause flooding to properties at Bishops Tawton including the A377 (New Road), School Lane, Easter Street and Sanders Lane. There will be a greater risk of flooding in these areas if river levels are also high. Conditions may apply two hours either side of the high tide. Expect tides to be around 200 mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
Large waves and spray are likely so take care near coastal paths and promenades. This may cause localised standing water on roads. Do not drive through flood water or waves.
North Devon coast at Ilfracombe
Flooding is expected for Ilfracombe over the high tide on Tuesday morning 9th April. High water at Ilfracombe is at 07:15 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Gale force 8 North Westerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 3.8m are forecast to cause flooding to properties at Ilfracombe. Conditions may apply two hours either side of the high tide. Expect tides to be around 200 mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
Large waves and spray are likely so take care near coastal paths and promenades. This may cause localised standing water on roads. Do not drive through flood water or waves. The tidal gates at Ilfracombe have been closed.
North Devon coast at Lynmouth
Flooding is expected for Lynmouth over the high tide on Tuesday morning 9th April. High water at Ilfracombe is at 07:15 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Gale force 8 North Westerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 3.8m are forecast to cause flooding to properties in Lynmouth. Conditions may apply two hours either side of the high tide. Expect tides to be around 200 mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
Large waves and spray are likely so take care near coastal paths and promenades. This may cause localised standing water on roads near The Esplanade, Riverside Road and Lynmouth Street is likely. Do not drive through flood water or waves.
Flood alerts
South Cornwall coast from Rame Head to Plymouth including tidal estuaries
Flooding is possible over the evening high tide on Monday 8th April, and the morning tides on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th April.
High water at Plymouth is 18:41 on Monday, 06:59 on Tuesday and 07:42 on Wednesday. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
On Monday, force 7 southerly winds, rapidly switching to northerly, with wave heights of up to 4m are forecast to cause overtopping of sea defences and spray in exposed coastal areas. Expect tides to be around 550mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
On Tuesday, force 7 north westerly winds with waves up to 3m will coincide with peak tide levels. People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast. Keep up to date with weather and tide conditions.
South Devon coast from Start Point to Dawlish Warren
Flooding is possible over the high tide on Monday evening 8th April. High water at Exmouth on Monday evening is at 20:00 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Strong force 7 southerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 1.6 m are forecast to cause wave overtopping of sea defences and sea spray in exposed coastal locations. Expect tides to be around 430 mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast.
Keep up to date with weather and tide conditions on local radio. We will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as required.
South Devon Estuaries
Flooding is possible over the high tide on Monday evening 8th April, Tuesday morning 9th April and Wednesday morning 10th April. High water at Plymouth on Monday evening is at 18:30 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Force 7 southerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 3.7m are forecast to cause wave overtopping of sea defences and sea spray in exposed coastal locations. Expect tides to be around 500 mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast.
North Devon coast from Hartland Point to Lynmouth
Flooding is possible over the high tides on Monday 8th April, Tuesday 9th April and Wednesday 10th April. High water at Ilfracombe on Monday evening is at 18:45 BST. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Force 6 south easterly winds and offshore wave heights of over 2m are forecast to cause wave overtopping of sea defences and sea spray in exposed coastal locations. Expect tides to be around 300mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast.
