Aerial images have captured the extensive damage inflicted upon a 150-year-old pier, which was torn apart by fierce winds and towering waves during Storm Ingrid. Meteorologists are cautioning that more tumultuous weather is on the horizon.
The iconic Teignmouth Grand Pier, located in Devon, has been shattered after enduring relentless wind and rain over the past 48 hours.
Drone footage reveals sections of the pier’s end floating away, severed from the main walkway, illustrating the storm’s force.
Further along the pier, wooden planks have been uprooted, resulting in large, unsettling gaps throughout the structure.
The Met Office has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall expected to drench southwest England and south Wales through Monday and Tuesday.
A yellow weather advisory is active from 3 PM on Monday until noon on Tuesday, urging residents to prepare for challenging conditions.
The 700-foot pier was built in 1865 and opened to the public two years later, delighting holidaymakers visiting the popular seaside town.
In the Second World War, a section of the pier was removed to prevent German troops using it to disembark if they arrived on British shores.
Aerial footage showed the destruction caused to a 150-year-old pier which was ripped apart by high winds and huge waves during Storm Ingrid, as forecasters have warned of more wild weather to come
The historic Teignmouth Grand Pier in Devon, has been broken into pieces after it was battered by wind and rain for the past two days
Aerial photos of Teignmouth Pier that was destroyed by Storm Ingrid
However, for much of its recent history, the attraction has been blighted by storms.
In 2014, it was badly damaged by huge waves and strong winds, leading to armoured steel being installed in the hope of preventing another collapse.
The installations did not hold and further storms in 2020 caused more damage to the privately-owned structure.
Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, said it was ‘sad’ to see parts of the pier destroyed after it had ‘taken a real battering’.
Councillor Cate Williams, told BBC that the pier was already in poor condition and that has survived previous storms and world 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.’
Huge waves pictured crashing against the pier in Devon on January 24
Footage from above the attraction shows parts of the end of the pier which have been cut adrift away from the main boardwalk.
A yellow weather warning is also in place for Northern Ireland from 12pm until 6pm on Monday and between 2am and 9pm on Tuesday.
The Met Office also warned of potential snow in some northern areas of Scotland.
A spokesperson said: ‘A deep area of low pressure will then bring a further spell of wet and windy conditions later Monday and into Tuesday.
‘Gusty winds are likely in exposed locations, and additional heavy rain for some sensitive areas that have already seen persistent wet weather in recent days could lead to some flooding.
‘Farther north, colder air will linger for longer, meaning hill snow remains possible on the northern edge of the system.’
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Steve Willington, said: ‘Unsettled conditions will continue through the week, with a combination of rain, brisk winds and some further hill snow, particularly in northern areas where colder air remains in place.
‘While many areas will see typical late January conditions, there is enhanced potential for some impactful weather on Monday night into Tuesday.
‘We encourage people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as details evolve.’
