IT never rains but it pours, especially this weekend as Devon braces itself for Storm Dennis just as it recovers from last week’s onslaught from Ciara.
Every expectation is that the weekend will be yet another washout with wind and rain doing its worst across Teignbridge and the rest of the region.
A Yellow Warning is already in place for the twin elements working up a fury for Saturday’s and Sunday’s windswept deluge.
And an Amber Warning has been listed for particular downpours in the south of the county.
Weather watchers at County Hall are once again urging people to take extra care when hitting the road.
Wind gusts of up to 70mph are being predicted for coastal areas and around 50mph inland.
As much as four inches of rain is anticipated in some parts of Devon, creating a risk of widespread flooding.
Extra highways teams are on standby to respond to any disruption on roads affected by fallen trees and flooding in the next few days.
Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: ‘The rain that’s forecast for this weekend is expected to be heavier than last weekend so we could well see more flooding problems on Devon’s roads.
‘There is still a lot of water around from the amount of rainfall we’ve had in recent days so it may not take much to start causing surface water issues.’
He urged motorists to be aware of any hazards and take extra care.
Last weekend, during storm Ciara, the highways authority responded to more than 60 reports of trees being uprooted and blown down.
Council advice is:
• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with poorer visibility;
• Be alert to fallen trees and branches, particularly on minor roads where they may not have been reported;
• When the wind is at its peak, consider if your journey is really necessary, and be alert to weather warnings;
• Never drive through floodwater or swollen flowing water, you don’t know how deep it is. Find an alternative route;
• Allow additional time for your journey;
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions.