Devon County Council and police are urging people across the South Hams to prepare for disruption on the county’s roads caused by high winds, surface flooding and debris today and over the weekend.

There could be a total of up to 40mm of rainfall on Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13 in southwest Devon and up to 14mm on the south and southwest facing slopes of Dartmoor.

The heaviest rain is expected from midnight Friday to Saturday evening. People are advised to avoid exposed coastal areas and are strongly advised not to go wave watching.

The county council is warning people to be alert to the possibility of falling branches, fallen trees and landslips, especially on rural roads and coastal routes, and to take care on exposed bridges. Drivers are advised to stay on the major road network if possible.

Police are warning people that fallen leaves combined with standing water make for very slippery driving conditions.

A police spokesman said: "It’s autumn, which means the leaves are falling. Combine this with the pretty horrible weather we’ve had overnight and it doesn’t give you very good driving conditions.

"Roads are slippery and there is a fair amount of standing water. Please drive carefully."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highway management at DCC, said: “With the stormy weather forecasted, travelling conditions may be difficult across the county but especially in the southwest of the county.

“It could cause delays and disruption overnight, tomorrow and Sunday. Drains may not be able to cope with high levels of rainfall, so I would urge everyone to be wary of the possibility of surface water, longer journey times, and possibly the closure of some routes.

“Please remember not to attempt to drive through closed roads or floodwater and, if conditions are stormy, please keep away from exposed coasts. Motorists should drive with caution and remember in wet conditions stopping distances will increase. If people need sandbags they should contact their local district or town council.”