30ft waves as Storm "Hercules" hits Devon
Forecasters are warning that waves upwards of 30ft as “Winter Storm Hercules” hits Devon.
The storm has been confirmed to be the same weather system responsible for the recent “Deep-Freeze” in the US by the Met Office.
The latest storm is expected to see 60mph and 70mph winds and higher than usual waves.
According to the Met Office’s, Chief Forecaster: “A large, deep depression in the Atlantic is whipping waves up out at sea on Sunday, these coming into western and southern coastal areas of the UK as a large swell on Monday.
“Exceptionally high waves are expected, and whilst tides are past their peak of last week, they will still be high, bringing a risk of coastal flooding.”
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind to last until late tonight and are asking people to be aware of the risks especially whilst driving.
Over 100 flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency across England and Wales with 34 issued in the South West alone.
One severe flood warning against “deep and fast flowing”, life threatening floods has been issued in the region at Ilford Bridge Park near Bournemouth.
Meanwhile the search for Harry Martin, an 18-year-old missing since the storm last Thursday (January 2) is still underway but rescue services have asked that members of the public stay away from the coastal search during the current bad weather.
The teenager is thought to have left his home to take photos of the stormy coast near his home in Membland near Newton Ferrers and was last seen heading towards a coast path.
A police spokesman said: “Specially-trained police officers as well as search advisors and a lost person search manager have been appointed to help co-ordinate activities across the known areas.
“This provides us with the ability to target our resources to key areas and we have carried out structured searches based on the information we have available.”
The wind is also combining heavy rain in some areas causing dangerous driving conditions in particular on the A38 near Plymouth and Ashburton.
Due to flooding, the A379 in Aveton Gifford is partially blocked in both directions at the Ashford junction.
Several other roads have also been affected by flooding and fallen trees across the county.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have asked motorists to “take heed” of warnings not to drive through any floodwater, as it could put themselves and others at risk.
Area Manager Alex Hanson said: "It is impossible to tell how deep water is or the condition of the ground beneath. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded. Vehicles can float away in just two feet of water.
"If you do see floodwater on the road, do not attempt to drive through it; instead try to find an alternative route. If a road has been closed, it is for the safety of the public and closure signs should be respected. This is particularly important as schools and many people return to work on Monday and the pressures this may bring.
“Please take heed of the road closed signs and also be aware that satellite navigation systems will not necessarily alert you of alternative routes that may be flooded.”
The weather is expected to finally ease as the week continues with lower wind speeds and lighter rain expected by Thursday.
