Storm Ingrid has unleashed its fury across the UK, leading to significant damage, including the partial destruction of a historic pier. This fierce weather event has been marked by relentless winds and torrential rain, leaving a trail of disruption in its wake.
Among the casualties of this tempest is the Teignmouth Grand Pier, an iconic structure dating back to 1865. Striking images reveal the extent of the damage, with substantial sections of the pier swept away by the storm’s unyielding waves and downpours overnight.
Reacting to the devastation, Teignmouth Mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, expressed her sorrow over the loss. She described it as “sad” to witness the destruction of the beloved pier, acknowledging the severe pounding it endured.
The Met Office has issued a stern warning, indicating that additional heavy rainfall is expected throughout Saturday. This forecast raises concerns of potential flooding and transportation disruptions, particularly in Devon and Cornwall.
Currently, a yellow weather warning is in effect, extending its coverage to parts of Scotland, southern Wales, and Northern Ireland. The warning is set to remain active until 10 p.m.
Flooding is a pressing concern, with the Environment Agency today issuing 16 flood warnings and 135 alerts across England, underscoring the serious threat posed by the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
A Met Office spokesman said: ‘With ground conditions saturated in many places, further flooding of roads and flowing water from fields is likely even with modest amounts of rainfall, leading to difficult driving conditions and roads potentially becoming impassable at times.
‘Although not as strong as yesterday, winds approaching gale force during Saturday morning may continue to exacerbate impacts at times, particularly along the English Channel coastline.’
Pictures show huge chunks missing from Teignmouth Grand Pier, built in 1865, after it was struck by strong waves and rain through the night
Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, said it was ‘sad’ to see parts of the pier destroyed after it had ‘taken a real battering’
A yellow weather warning for rain is in place until 10pm covering southwest England, southern Wales, parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland
Forecasters have also warned of ‘wintry hazards’ next week for the north and east of the UK, with the chance of snow for some places.
There is also another Met Office yellow warning for rain covering large parts of southwest England and south Wales from 6pm on Monday to 2pm on Tuesday.
Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, told BBC that the pier was already in poor condition and that has survided previous storms and worls wars.
She said: ‘It has lost part of the pier structure itself, that has dissolved and gone away into the sea.
‘It’s an old pier and it was needing some attention and I suppose age and wear and tear has taken its toll.
‘It has survived many weather conditions as well as world wars. It’s sad when you look at it now to see some of it now missing.’
Great Western Railway urged people not to travel between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot on Saturday morning as the lines would be suspended.
The company said disruption would be expected until 7pm on Saturday following severe weather affecting the Dawlish sea wall.
The line between Par and Newquay has also been closed, with disruption expected until 5pm.
Dog walkers pass strong waves hitting the coastline of Lyme Regis in Dorset yesterday afternoon
Dog walkers in strong winds at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Cornwall, yesterday morning
Waves crash against South Shields Lighthouse in South Tyneside yesterday morning
Flooding remains a major risk, with the Environment Agency issuing 16 warnings and 135 alerts for England today
Yellow weather warnings in place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
Martin Wrigley, the MP for Newton Abbott, said: ‘Seeing the damage to the sea wall in Dawlish is really disappointing.
‘That means the railway line will need fixing before it can be reopened but hopefully they will get it done quickly.
‘Network Rail need to do more to make our railway fully resilient.’
Elsewhere, the Met Office warned parts of northeast Scotland could face further flooding and travel disruption as a yellow weather warning for rain continues into the weekend.
The Met Office weather warning covering the Grampian, Angus and Perth regions came into effect at midnight and is in place until 9am on Sunday.
On Saturday morning, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had 11 flood warnings and four flood alerts active.
A Met Office spokesman said: ‘Following a three-day spell of very wet weather across this region, with some places having seen in excess of 100mm, a further day of fairly persistent and at times heavy rain is expected, before easing during Saturday night.
‘Many places are likely to see a further 20-30mm of rain, and a few spots could see 50mm.
‘Above 400-500 metres, however, a lot of this will fall as snow, with rain confined to areas of ground below this level.’
Those in the affected area have been told to check if their home is at risk of flooding and take the appropriate precautions.
ScotRail said that speed restrictions would be in place on the line between Aberdeen and Inverness due to the adverse weather, leading to slower journey times.
The line towards Dundee was also blocked by a fallen tree.
Three people in Aberdeenshire had to be rescued from their stranded vehicles by firefighters.
Two people were rescued from a minibus on the B977 near Kintore at around 8.30am on Thursday while one person was brought to safety from a car in a separate incident at around the same time near Banchory.
The Scottish Government Resilience Room met on Thursday to discuss the weather situation.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said: ‘I would urge people to pay attention to flood alerts, weather forecasts and to consider travel updates in their area.’
