Police issue severe weather warning
Saturday, January 17, 2009, 21:06
PEOPLE are being advised to stay in their homes after extreme weather brought flooding and blocked roads across Devon and Cornwall.
Just before 9pm on Saturday night police urged everyone to make only essential journeys as routes across the region are blocked and dangerous.
The Met Office said winds were gusting up to 80mph and up to 20mm of rain was expected in some areas.
Trees have come down in locations across the two counties including Montpelier Road in Beacon Park, Miller Way in Estover, the A390 at Merrymeet in Liskeard, the A379 by Red Lion Hill in Brixton, the A374 in Looe at St Martin East, the A388 one mile north of Tavistock, three locations in Launceston as well as Totnes and Yelverton.
Power lines have been brought down in Liskeard and Kingsbridge,
There is also flooding in Tavistock and mud on the A38 sliproad at Ashburton, while a portable toilet blew across the road in Bodmin.
Other areas hit include Starcross, Okehampton, Crediton, Torquay, Exeter, Culloompton, Denbury, Chulmleigh, Exwick, Stokeinteignhead, Brixham, Torrington, Camborne, Fowey, Bridestowe, St Austell, Bideford, Mortonhampstead and Redruth.
Cars have been trapped in flood waters, signs, scaffolding and barriers have been brought down by winds, a bus has been stranded and traffic lights have blown over.
Police issued a general warning for people to be careful.
Weather warnings remain in place until the middle of the week, with bands of rain and heavy winds forecast.
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