Highways teams on alert for weather disruption (From Mid Devon Star)

Highways teams on alert for weather disruption

5:00pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in Devon

A WARNING has been issued over the possibility of surface water and flooding on the county’s roads again as Devon prepares for another bout of persistent rain over the next few days.

With prolonged spells of heavy rainfall forecast throughout the rest of today, overnight, and continuing until Saturday, Devon County Council is urging people to take extra care.

The county’s highways teams are on standby in case of a repeat of the strong winds and downpours which battered Devon last week.

A band of heavy rain and gale force winds of up to 60mph are expected to move northeastwards across the county this evening and there could be a risk of localised flooding, particularly in areas where ground is already saturated.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “We may experience conditions over the next few days which will be similar to last week’s storms that brought down a number of trees. However, the greater concern is the risk of flooding and surface water with the amount of rainfall that’s forecast.

“Our highways teams are still clearing up from last week, but they are gearing up again to deal with any further incidents that are reported to us. We would ask people to drive carefully and be alert to the potential for surface water and flooding, particularly on minor roads where problems may not be brought to our attention straight away.”

Although the rain is expected to clear by the early hours, scattered showers are due to return tomorrow morning.