Storm Ingrid Strikes Plymouth, Causing Widespread Disruption
The coastal town of Plymouth and surrounding regions in Devon and Cornwall are bracing for severe weather conditions as Storm Ingrid continues to batter the area. Heavy rain, strong winds, and massive waves have led to significant travel disruptions, with train services being cancelled and flood warnings being issued across the region.
Network Rail Issues Black Alert for Dawlish Coast
Network Rail has issued a black alert, the highest warning level, for the Dawlish coast between 20:30 and 22:30 GMT on Friday. This alert was prompted by the expectation of 12-foot waves crashing against the sea wall and gusts of up to 60mph. The black alert is only the second time it has been issued since the storm in February 2014 that destroyed sections of the railway track around Dawlish.
Train Services Suspended
Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced that the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot will be shut down from 20:30 on Friday until 14:00 on Saturday. This decision was made due to the significant risk of sea water breaching the Dawlish sea wall. Replacement coaches are on standby, and tickets on the affected routes will be accepted up to and including Sunday.
Impact on Travel
While some train services are expected to operate between London Paddington and Exeter St Davids, and Newton Abbot towards Penzance, passengers are advised to check their journey before traveling through Friday evening and Saturday morning. The closure of the Liskeard and Looe line due to flooding is expected to cause disruption until Monday.
Devon and Cornwall Prepare for Flooding
The Environment Agency has issued 16 flood warnings around Devon and Cornwall, including the Tidal Fal Estuary and the stretch from Lizard Point. These warnings highlight the potential for extensive seafront flooding as Storm Ingrid sweeps through the region.
Sea Wall Test
The new sea wall in Dawlish, built at a cost of about £80m after the 2014 storm, is facing its first real test with Storm Ingrid. Network Rail’s Devon and Cornwall director, Chris Fuoco, stated, "We are just taking every safety precaution we can to make sure everyone is safe. High tide tomorrow is a problem, as well, so we will inspect the line tomorrow before we can reopen it. Mother nature can do some dangerous things to the railway so we have to stay on top of that."
Historical Context
David Braine, a senior meteorologist at BBC South West, explained that this is the first time the new defences have been tested by a storm of this magnitude, mainly due to the strength of the wind and the wind direction, which is south easterly. He added that the sequence of storms in 2014, including the one on February 4-5, had weakened the railway line defences, contributing to the damage caused.
Public Response
A BBC South West reporter, John Henderson, who was at the scene in Dawlish, described the situation as "totally and utterly wild." He noted that the station was being pounded by wave after wave, with the wind howling and the line taking a fearful battering. Despite the intense conditions, the line remained intact, marking a significant moment for the new sea wall defences.
Travel Advice and Safety Measures
With the ongoing weather disruptions, authorities are urging residents and travelers to stay informed and follow safety guidelines. The public is advised to check travel updates frequently and prepare for potential delays and cancellations. It is also recommended to avoid coastal areas where flooding is expected and to follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
Future Preparedness
As Storm Ingrid continues to move through the region, the focus is on assessing the damage and preparing for future storms. The resilience of the new sea wall in Dawlish will be a key factor in preventing similar disruptions in the future. The experience of 2014 has underscored the importance of robust coastal defences and proactive weather management strategies.
Conclusion
Storm Ingrid serves as a stark reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the need for continuous preparedness. As Plymouth and the surrounding areas recover from the immediate impacts of the storm, the lessons learned will be crucial in building more resilient infrastructure and ensuring the safety of residents and travelers alike.
