A YELLOW weather warning was issued by the Met Office today (Saturday) as strong winds and heavy rain battered much of the region.

The tail skirts of Storm Deirdre started to brush against Devon this morning with winds in excess of 60mph recorded and nearly an inch of rain providing little festive cheer for Christmas shoppers out and about.

The weather caused both road and rail disruption with flash flooding caused by excess run off on the A379 between Teignmouth and Dawlish and a restricted rail service for a time running through Dawlish as waves pummelled the main line there.Sport was also effected with numerous football and rugby matches cancelled, including the local derby rugby match between Newton Abbot and Brixham, thanks to the adverse conditions.

Both the wind and rain were expected to abate later this evening.