Risk of Torquay seafront closure tomorrow morning as bad weather continues

A section of Torquay seafront was closed this morning (Thursday, February 5) due to large waves crashing over the wall during high tide, amid an active flood alert for exposed east-facing coastal areas in Torbay and beyond.

The warning, issued by the Environment Agency, came into effect at 5am and remains in force until 9pm on Friday, February 6.

Flooding is possible 2 hours either side of high tide, with particularly vulnerable spots including Torbay, Teignmouth, Beesands, Torcross, Slapton, and Dawlish.

In Torquay, the seafront road was shut as waves overtopped defences, creating hazardous conditions. It reopened around 10.30am, but further disruption is expected tonight with high tide at approximately 9.30pm and tomorrow morning at 9.30am. 

The alert covers exposed coastal locations such as Hallsands, Beesands, Torcross, Slapton, Blackpool Sands, Brixham, Broadsands, Goodrington, Paignton, Hollicombe, Torquay, Oddicombe, Teignmouth Promenade, and Dawlish. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.

Recent storms have already caused significant damage: the A379 at Torcross remains closed following structural collapse of the road and sea defences overnight earlier this week (February 3), described by locals as "a mess, like a bomb has gone off." This has left a 200-metre section washed away, forcing long diversions for travel between Torcross and Slapton/Dartmouth. Engineers are assessing repairs, but the road is impassable, and the area should be avoided unless essential.