Devon residents urged to remain vigilant during stormy weather

People in Devon are being urged to remain vigilant and to take care during the coming days as bad weather continues in the South West.

With more rain, dropping overnight temperatures and windy conditions forecast towards the end of the week, flooding and ice on roads are possible in parts of Devon.

In particular, if you are out and about over the Christmas period, people are being urged to take extra care in coastal areas.

Coastal paths may be at risk of landslides which could also pose a danger to those out walking on beaches. In addition, river banks could also present a similar danger.

To find out about sandbags, residents should contact their local District Council. They will also be able to assist with any accommodation needs following a flood.

In an emergency, residents should always call 999 and ask for Devon Fire and Rescue if floodwater has entered their home.

The Environment Agency has advice on what to do before, during and after a flood here. There is also information from the Know Your Flood Risk Campaign group here.

The national flood forum website also has lots of useful information for property owners here

Motorists are being reminded not to drive through flood water and to extra care if travelling on the county's roads over the coming days.

Low temperatures are forecast for tonight and Devon County Council gritters will be out in force treating roads tonight.

However, with the large amount of water and run-off on the network, it is likely there will be ice on the county's roads and drivers are reminded to be cautious. Gritters will be going out again at 2am and 5am and Highways teams will be on duty throughout the night and into Christmas Day to monitor the situation.

Although around 2650km of Devon's roads are salted, around 80% are not routinely treated and drivers must not assume a road has been salted.

Information and advice on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Highways Agency website or by calling the Highways Agency Information line on 0300 123 5000

For more information and advice go to www.devon.gov.uk/winter or for updates on twitter, follow @Devonroads

Motorists are reminded of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;

• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;

• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;

• Drive with care and according to the conditions;

• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;

• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.