A severe weather warning has been issued for the whole of the South West as the Met office predicts severe gales across the region.

Southwesterly winds of up to 70 miles per hour in exposed areas are expected on Thursday and heavy rain could also cause problems in places.
The Highways Agency is advising people to take extra care on the roads.
And the RNLI is warning water sports enthusiasts to take extra care in the stormy weather.

People wanting to go in the sea on Thursday should take note of the rip currents, tide times, and wind conditions, then consider seriously how safe it is before going in.
"If you have to travel, take the utmost care," said Pc Baxter Provan from Devon and Cornwall Police.

"We are getting reports of trees and cables down all over the place."

And, as south-westerlies gusted to well over 50 knots, Falmouth Coastguards warned small boat owners: "Do not go out."

Devon County Council's control room says its dealing with a number of fallen trees across the county, one on the A381 just outside Totnes is partially blocking the road.
A tree is also blocking part of the road between Bratton Fleming and Barnstaple.
There are also reports of fallen trees across Cornwall.

Power cables have been brought down across the road in Bugle near St Austell and there are reports of a fallen electrical cable and a fallen tree blocking the road at Marldon in Paignton.

Police also say there is a fallen telegraph pole at Yarnscombe near Barnstaple.


The Torpoint Ferry, linking Devon and Cornwall, was also closed for three hours before reopening just before 0730 GMT.

The Environment Agency says a flood watch is in place for the North Devon Coast from Hartland Point to Lynmouth.
And Brixham Coastguard says at least six ships have taken shelter from the weather in Torbay.

BBC NEWS | England | Cornwall | Warning as high winds predicted

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