ALERT: Devon braced for Storm Bram with strong winds and overnight downpours expected

Devon and Dartmoor are set for a period of disruptive weather as Storm Bram moves across the UK on Monday night (8 December) into Tuesday (9 December). 

The Met Office has confirmed that Storm Bram will bring very strong winds and heavy, persistent rain to northern and western areas, including the South West.

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Devon is currently under yellow warnings for wind and rain, with conditions expected to worsen overnight as the storm approaches. 

The Met Office has also issued an amber wind warning for parts of the UK, and says existing warnings for southwest England could be escalated if conditions deteriorate.

While the strongest winds are expected in northwest Scotland, the Met Office says gusts of 50-60 mph and up to 70 mph in exposed spots are likely across southwest England, including Devon’s coastlines, high ground and moorland routes.

Rainfall totals are also expected to be high, with the Chief Forecaster said there is a “possibility of 100mm over higher ground in the south of Wales and parts of Devon”.

Dartmoor is forecast to see 60-80mm, with a chance of more on the most exposed slopes.

What to expect in Devon

• Risk of flooding in vulnerable areas
• Difficult and hazardous travel, especially early Tuesday
• Possible train and bus delays or cancellations
• Spray, flooding and road closures, particularly on low-lying rural roads
• Large waves and hazardous coastal conditions on south and north Devon coasts
• Potential power cuts as winds strengthen overnight

Communities near rivers and steep valleys, such as areas along the Exe, Taw, Teign and Torridge, may see faster rises in water levels if rainfall peaks as forecast.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Suri said:

“Storm Bram will bring a very wet and windy spell of weather… More widely, gusts of 50–60mph, and perhaps 70mph in a few spots, are expected across Wales, southwest England and Northern Ireland. Rain is an additional impact… with the possibility of 100mm over higher ground in… parts of Devon.”

He added that the heavy rain falling on saturated ground could lead to “flooding impacts” and warned that existing warnings may be escalated if conditions worsen.

Authorities have also advised Devon residents to:

• Secure loose items such as garden furniture and bins
• Keep away from swollen riverbanks
• Avoid coastal paths during periods of large waves
• Prepare for possible power cuts
• Check for localised flood alerts
• Review travel plans and check routes before setting off

Storm Bram will begin to move north of the UK during Wednesday; Devon will remain windy with showers, especially on western coasts and Dartmoor.

From Thursday onwards, conditions are expected to turn drier, though still breezy in some exposed areas. Temperatures will stay milder than average before falling back later in the week.