Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service issued safety advice on 31 October 2023 after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for very strong winds across Devon and parts of Somerset late on Wednesday 1 November and through until Thursday 2 November, with yellow warnings for rain elsewhere in its service area1. The service said gusts could reach up to 70mph and 80mph in places1.
The service said the amber warning area indicates a potential risk to life, as very strong winds could cause damage to structures with the possibility of flying debris, and that flooding as a result of Storm Ciarán is also possible1. It said the amber area highlights the ongoing risk of high impacts such as disruption to power, travel and other services, with damage likely for buildings and trees and beach material being thrown providing another risk near coastlines1. It said it was working with partner agencies to respond to the potential impacts of the storm and monitoring the latest weather forecasts to ensure it could respond immediately to any emergencies1.
"With gusts of up to 70mph and 80mph in places, we advise you to avoid travelling during the storm. Stay at home unless you really need to travel. It’s the safest place to be."
On travel, the service advised people to avoid travelling during the storm, to stay at home unless they really need to travel, and, if a journey is essential, to plan the route in advance and take extra time1. It said anyone who spots fallen trees or debris that is dangerous should contact their local council, unless someone is trapped or injured, in which case they should call the fire service1. On flooding, it said that if a vehicle encounters flood water the driver should not drive through it, because there could be hidden hazards or it could be deeper than thought, and that just 30cm of water is enough to float a car1. The service said it cannot rescue vehicles that have been driven through floodwater and become stuck unless there is life risk, and that drivers should try their vehicle recovery company1. It directed people to the Environment Agency website to check flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation, or to call Floodline on 0345 988 11881.
On power cuts, the service said the Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is responsible for maintaining physical electricity supplies to a home or business, and that the local DNO can be contacted by calling 1051. It advised planning ahead and charging devices such as torches, phones and laptops, and said it would prefer people to use torches and battery-powered candles rather than candles, with candle safety advice available for anyone who must use candles1. It said people should not try to cook using barbecues or fires inside the home such as wood-burners, and should turn off any appliances that may be a fire risk if they switch on when power returns, such as hair dryers or electric hobs1. It said a portable heater should be kept at least 1 metre from people or furniture and should not be covered with anything like clothing1. To prepare, it advised securing garden furniture, trampolines and plant pots, checking the outside of the home for anything that could cause damage in the wind such as loose guttering or fences, and safely charging phones and laptops and checking for torch batteries in case of a power cut1.
Why it matters for households
Households across Devon and parts of Somerset were affected from late on Wednesday 1 November through Thursday 2 November, with yellow rain warnings covering the rest of the service area1. The service warned of disruption to power, travel and other services, damage to buildings and trees, and flying debris, and set out its advice on travel, power cuts, flooding and preparing the home and garden as above1. The Met Office explains the difference between yellow, amber and red warnings in its weather warnings guide, and households can read about signing up for Met Office weather alerts. For travel in high winds, there is guidance on whether to delay a journey and on driving safely in strong winds, with more in the storms and snow section.
What happens next
The service said it was monitoring the latest weather forecasts to ensure it could respond immediately to any emergencies1. No further dated steps were given.
Met Office Weather Warnings
Delaying Journeys in Bad Weather
Driving in Strong Winds
