Severe flooding hits Devon as Storm Chandra leaves roads impassable

Devon is facing widespread flooding this morning after Storm Chandra, which was named by the Met Office yesterday (26 January) and hit the region under an amber warning for parts of South Devon.

Heavy rain has caused significant surface water across East and Mid Devon, with authorities urging people to avoid driving unless essential.

Fire services are currently responding to multiple incidents of vehicles becoming stuck in floodwater.

Motorists are warned not to attempt alternative routes, as many roads are becoming heavily flooded.

Roads currently affected include:

• A30 Daisy Mount – both directions

• A30 – closed at either end of Honiton

• London Road, Cranbrook – junction at Gribble Lane

• A3052 Clyst St Mary – both approaches at Cat and Fiddle and from Clyst St George

• A377 – impassable at Downes and Newton St Cyres

• A303 Upottery

• B3177 Iron Bridge

• A382 Wray Barton

• A396 Stoke Canon

• B3181 Five Bridges, Cullompton

• A379 Station Road, Dawlish

• A3052 Boshill Hill

• A358 Weycroft Bridge

Severe flood warning in Ottery St Mary

A severe flood warning has been issued for the River Otter (Lower) at Ottery St Mary, with authorities urging residents to act immediately. Flood water is expected to be deep and fast flowing, with levels forecast to peak between 5am and 10am this morning, potentially the highest recorded at the Fenny Bridges Gauge.

Low-lying areas and properties at risk include Finnimore Industrial Estate, Thorne Farm Way Estate, Luxtons Park, Otter Mill, and Tumbling Weir Way.

Residents are advised to move family, pets, and vehicles to safety and turn off gas, electricity, and water if it is safe to do so.

The Environment Agency, emergency services, and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Drivers and residents are urged to take extreme care and follow official guidance to avoid putting themselves or others at risk.