Storm Ingrid Ravages Historic Teignmouth Pier in Devon
The fierce waves generated by Storm Ingrid led to the collapse of a section of Teignmouth's Victorian pier into the sea on Saturday, as confirmed by local authorities. This incident highlights the severe weather conditions battering the south-west of England.
Widespread Weather Warnings Remain in Effect
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for heavy rain that continue to affect various regions, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, and south-west England and Wales. These warnings signal ongoing risks of downpours and high winds following the havoc wreaked by Storm Ingrid.
Specifically, a yellow warning covers areas such as Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and much of south Wales until 10pm on Saturday. Separate alerts for Northern Ireland and Scotland are set to persist until 9am on Sunday, indicating prolonged adverse weather conditions.
Significant Rainfall and Flooding Risks
Forecasters predict that most of the south-west could receive approximately 20-40mm of rainfall, with some exposed locations potentially seeing up to 50mm. This raises concerns about flooding in areas already saturated by recent rains, exacerbating the impact on local communities.
Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese national weather service IPMA, has caused chaos with its powerful waves, particularly in coastal regions. In Teignmouth, Devon, the historic pier suffered structural damage, with the mayor, Cate Williams, noting that the town experienced unusually high winds and strong waves. These conditions also damaged benches, flower beds, and paving stones near the seafront.
Williams expressed sadness over the pier's damage, stating, "It's really sad ... it's such a focal point of our town." This sentiment underscores the cultural and historical significance of the pier to the local community.
Flood Warnings and Transport Disruptions
The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings across south-west England, indicating that flooding is expected, along with 135 flood alerts suggesting possible flooding in many parts of the country. These measures highlight the widespread nature of the weather-related threats.
Additionally, National Rail has reported major disruptions to railway services in south-west England, with cancellations and delays expected to last throughout Saturday. This adds to the challenges faced by residents and travellers in the affected regions.
Overall, the combination of storm damage, heavy rainfall, and transport issues paints a picture of a weekend marked by significant weather-related adversity across the UK.
