Major North Devon route blocked by Storm Goretti may not reopen until end of the week

Devon County Council highways teams are facing major disruption on the A386 northwest of Great Torrington after Storm Goretti swept through the region last week.

The storm, which hit Devon on the evening of 8 January, brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing widespread damage across the county.

The most significant current highway issue is on the A386, where crews are dealing with 10 fallen trees and a landslide, forcing the closure of the road.

ABOVE: Road closure as shown on the AA traffic website. Credit: The AA

A Devon County Council spokesperson said: “We're trying to get the road re-opened as soon as possible, but safety of the public is paramount, so it won’t open until Thursday or Friday at the earliest. Geotechnical experts are currently assessing the landslip to enable us to install a temporary wall and get one lane open with temporary traffic lights in place. We are also working proactively with our contractor to carry out additional work within the closure, such as gully emptying, to minimise future disruption.”

Officials have warned that the road might not reopen until the end of the week at the earliest, meaning local commuters and freight traffic will face continued delays.

The council has urged motorists to avoid the area and plan alternative routes while the works continue. Local residents have also reported power outages and blocked lanes due to fallen trees elsewhere in the county.

More bad weather on the way

The Met Office has confirmed to local media that unsettled conditions are expected to continue this week. In the short term, another area of low pressure will bring heavy rain to Devon, with a yellow weather warning issued for the county, including North Devon, on Thursday (January 15).

From Thursday, a deepening low-pressure system will move northeast across England and Wales, bringing further heavy rain and strong winds, adding to the disruption already caused by Storm Goretti.

Residents have been urged to stay alert to forecasts and travel warnings as councils and emergency services continue to respond to ongoing damage.

Transport disruption

The closure of the A386 has caused delays for commuters and freight traffic, with major works expected to continue for several days. Council teams are working around the clock to clear debris, stabilise the landslip, and carry out preventive maintenance to reduce the risk of further closures.

Residents are advised to monitor council updates and local travel alerts for the latest information.