Storm Eunice blasts North Devon

Winds of more than 80mph felled dozens of trees, damaged buildings and brought down power lines as Storm Eunice blasted across the county, with North Devon among the worst affected areas.

The storm on February 18th prompted the Met Office to issue a rare red weather warning, due to the possible risk to life and Devon County Council declared a major incident. There were more than 170 power cuts leaving 35,000 households across Devon without electricity, some for more than 48 hours, including properties at Kings Nympton, Filleigh and on Exmoor.

The Square and surrounding roads in South Molton were closed when the roof of the clock tower (above right) was lifted by the storm, along with damage to other buildings.

South Molton Swimming Pool (above) was closed when part of the roof was ripped off. The community woodland was also badly affected, with several trees brought down.

Schools were closed for the day as a precaution, and bus and rail services in North Devon were cancelled. Gusts of 83mph were recorded at the weather monitoring station at Chivenor.

Roads were blocked with fallen trees, including the A361 link road at West Buckland (opposite right). The A377 was closed with trees down at Portsmouth Arms and Eggesford and power lines near Umberleigh. Trees also blocked roads at Chulmleigh, North Molton, Filleigh, George Nympton, Meshaw and Heasley Mill.

Above, power line down on A377 north of Umberleigh picture by Claire Large. Below, Sophie Norris took this photo at Meshaw.

A361 at West Buckland Photo by Sophie Griffiths

One of many trees down in South MoltonCommunity Woodland Photo Karolina Andreasova