Message circulated to all East Devon Town/Parish Councils - preparations for Storm Eunice
A multi-agency SCG was called this afternoon in preparation for storm Eunice. The Met Office have declared a red warning (threat to life) relating to the potential extreme strength of wind for the North Devon and North Cornwall coasts. The whole of Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has an amber warning for high winds.
The SCG working method is to coordinate a multi-agency approach to protect the public, staff and volunteers during this weather emergency.
The SCG was chaired by ACC Glen Mayhew. Information gathering from Met Office and EA. Penny Trantor potential to be a powerful winter storm. South West and westerly winds expected (see further detail below). Widespread transport disruption is expected. Could impact on bridges (Tamar, Taw and Severn crossing likely to be closed in high winds) and main roads, fallen trees expected, temporary structures will be vulnerable. High waves anticipated.
EA expects impacts mainly on the north coast and not expecting to issue severe flood warnings. EA will be issuing and updating flood warnings this afternoon.
Western Power and South West Water were on the call and have been preparing over the last few days to be ready to respond.
GWR operating a reduced service with amended services and suspensions. No plans for replacement transport.
Network Rail will impose 50 mph speed limit throughout their network, which will impact on the timetable. Branch line services will be suspended.
Briefing for – Storm Eunice
The following information is based mainly on a Pre Event Assessment Telecom (PEAT) that took place at 12:00 16/02/22.
Storm Eunice is expected to be a major winter storm starting late today (Thursday) and lasting for much of Friday. The peak winds for Devon are likely to be 03:00 – 13:00 Friday. The Met Office weather warning for wind was this morning upgraded to a Red warning for north Cornwall, north Devon and south Wales.
Due to the Red weather warning the LRF has declared a Major Incident and the previously arranged Tactical Coordination Group meeting has been changed to a Strategic Coordination Group meeting at 15:00 today.
The winds are expected to be exceptionally strong with 60 - 80 mph expected everywhere and maybe 90 - 100 mph on coasts. So all modes of transport are likely to be impacted. We can also expect some structural damage, mobile homes being upturned, power outages, fallen trees, high tides and flying trampolines or other garden furniture.
At the time of writing the worst case scenario for Devon could see Severe Flood Warnings at a couple of places along the north Devon coast, but it is more likely to be the less dramatic Flood Warning for a couple of places. There is less concern over conditions along the south Devon coastline, but we still expect to receive a mix of Flood Alerts and Warnings.
Reasonable Worst Case Scenario for the northern coastline was up to 50 unprotected properties being flooded, with the best case likely to be 10-12 based on current Environment Agency (EA) modelling. This is being re-worked this morning.
The EA have contacted those responsible for flood defences to advise about when to close them. Some sand bags will also be available. We have been advised that we will be told in advance if the new modelling shows that Severe Flood Warnings are required.
The tides are not unusual for this time of the year but will be whipped up by the high winds. The real issue is the winds which will cover the county and could cause damage to homes meaning residents are forced to evacuate. Due to the strength of the winds and the difficult driving conditions we have already taken the decision that we would resist the opening on Rest Centres in order to protect the volunteers to do that role for the council. Instead, we will instead encourage those who may need to leave their homes to go to friends or family until it is safe to return
In terms of StreetScene preparedness, managers have been liaising closely and we have just had confirmation that the EA will confirm closure for Group A gates at Exmouth for Friday Morning’s storm). We will be closing the Morton Crescent Gates at Exmouth this afternoon (as well as the Sidmouth seafront gates) and Communications are doing some social media on this. As Morton Crescent residents are not yet set up on the EA alert system for the gates, we’ll be closing theirs this time too.
We have got staff on stand-by for a clean-up once the storm passes and will respond to any coastal defence damage and downed trees on our land (highways would be DCC) when it is safe to do so. We are not envisaging our staff responding or being out during the storm.
Our Recycling & Waste Manager has been discussing collection arrangements with Suez and we are planning to run them at the moment, but will take a view in the morning. There is already social media going out about securing boxes etc. Wendy Barratt at County is coordinating a consistent approach, so far as is possible across the County. MDDC are the only ones who have suspended collections so far.
Our Housing repairs contractor has been alerted and are on standby.
Highways
Highways have already stepped up their contractors and manning for the storm event. DCC have increased staffing in our Network Operations Control Centre and their contractors have contacted their supply chain, especially Traffic Management firms and Tree Surgeons, with extra gangs and jetters on standby.
In addition to the above Highways have advised that they have cancelled all planned works.
DCC Emergency Planning have contacted those responsible for Covid testing centres to consider if they are safe to continue where they rely on the use of outdoor space.
Flood Risk Management have also been given the heads up about the potential for flooded properties.
Schools and School Transport
Schools will be contacted to offer support to any school which believes that should be closed due to safety reasons tomorrow, and school that does close will be recorded on the school closure website. This applies to schools in both the Red and Amber areas.
School Transport with providers to determine what impact the weather may have on service provision.
Household Waste Recycling Centres
These will be closed tomorrow in the Red warning area.
EDDC have issued advice to staff (with Mark’s approval) to work from home where possible tomorrow (to avoid unnecessary journeys), and where this is operationally difficult (Home Safeguard, StreetScene for instance) to liaise with their manager for advice, and take precautions when travelling.
Please cascade this message to others you feel should be alerted.
Take Care
