We have been working with partners including SWISCo, Harbours, TDA, police and other services to respond to any issues related to Storm Ciarán.

This has included:

  • Due to the severe weather forecast on Wednesday night, the Council activated SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) and reached out to known rough sleepers, with 19 people being accommodated. Although SWEP has now been stood down these people have been offered a second night accommodation as well.
    Don’t forget if you are concerned about a homeless person you can always report this via Street Link. 
  • A power cut has affected just over 100 homes across the Bay, engineers were called out and it is anticipated that power will be restored by 6.30pm this evening.
  • The seafront road at Torquay was briefly closed by Highways team at SWISCo, but has since reopened, and Meadfoot Road was also closed. SWISCo also dealt with a number of incidents including fallen trees, and issues with street lights, traffic lights and lights at pedestrian crossings.
  • Fallen tree at the rear of Oldway Mansion – HI-Line and Havills were brought in to deal with a fallen tree which came down blocking the gate and access to the rear car park. The tree needed to be removed in pieces and a light on the gate was smashed by the tree so this needed replacing. Although there’s no immediate danger, residents are reminded to be aware of damaged and overhanging trees, both at Oldway and more generally.
  • Harbours team dealt with a number of incidents, including vessels that had parted their lines but have been recovered, the storm surge barrier on the Beacon Quay slipway was removed and placed back into storage and owners of any vessels with issues have been contacted
  • In Brixham, strong North-Westerly wind this morning parted lines on some of the larger beam trawlers so some of these have been put to sea to minimise the risk of damage to the quayside. The outer harbour moorings have taken the brunt of the weather with a swell running down the fairway.
  • A few Paignton moorings have pulled out but will be repaired at low water today ready for refloating on the next tide. There is a lot of debris in the harbour but as soon as the swells have eased will be cleaning that up.  
  • Schools were advised to keep an eye on weather forecasts overnight and some schools took the decision to close but some of these have since reopened.

Next steps

There are no further storms currently predicted (although flood warnings are still in place) but for the latest updates:

Weather updates
Check out the Met Office website and social media channels. 

Sign up to the Environment Agency’s Flood Alerts. 

Safety advice
Follow the advice from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue on safety in flood and severe weather conditions. Visit their website here. 

Reporting issues:

Flooding – you can report flooding incidents and find more advice by calling 01803 701310 or via our website

Roads - The best way to report any problems on Torbay’s roads such as fallen trees, traffic lights down, flooding, manhole covers open and problems on beaches is to call SWISCo on 01803 701310.

Travel – Due to the storms you are advised to check with travel operators before starting your journey:

Stagecoach service updates 

GWR travel updates 

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