MID Devon is braced for a second blast of stormy weather today (Friday) following a week of widespread flooding and disruption across the South-West.

Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to return after the Met Office issued a nationwide weather warning for throughout the day.

The region has experienced extensive flooding and travel disruption over the past three days, with the worst of the weather hitting on Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Flooding between Exeter St Davids and Taunton closed all train lines and caused major delays to services throughout Tuesday.

One of the worst affected areas was Hemyock where the River Culm breached its banks on Monday, making the road through the centre of the village inaccessible.

But Cllr Tim Barton of Hemyock Parish Council said the flooding was no worse than usual and he did not believe water had damaged many properties. He said: “It’s the usual flooding down where the River Culm comes out into the field. It hasn’t been anywhere near as bad as last year when it must have flooded about ten times.

“I haven’t heard of any damage to properties so far – we had the floodgate put in a few years back, so that seems to be doing its job.”

Church warden David Bawler said the church had put up flood barriers from the minute the warnings were given – and as far as he knew, little damage had been caused to properties.

He said: “We had some barriers up at the church as soon as we heard the warnings. There’s been quite a bit of flooding on the roads in and out of the village but it hasn’t been as bad as last year, which is good considering the time of year.”

Tiverton Town Team chairman Cllr Sue Griggs said flooding had not affected the town. She said: “We were buffeted by strong winds but the river hasn’t burst its banks at all, which is good. I know the highways teams has issued warnings and I’m quite sure the council is prepared for any more weather that is on its way.”

Devon and Somerset Fire service was called to 250 weather-related incidents on Monday evening and is warning motorists not to take a gamble with floodwater.

Area manager Phil Martin said: “Your car can float in as little as 30cm of water and it takes much less than that to knock someone off their feet.

“People must ask themselves, is it worth gambling with your car and maybe even your life to take the shortest route home rather than take a detour on a safer journey.”