Autumn storms expected over the next few days

The Autumn weather is forecast to be typically changeable over the next few days, with two low pressure areas due to hit the south west between Thursday and Saturday. With relatively high tides - 4.1m through to and including Sunday - there are concerns that some locations may experience flooding.

On Thursday (i.e. today) low pressure is developing to the south west with strong southerly winds and a likely surge driving water levels up the River Exe. There are concerns at evening high tide, 7.30pm, that the wind may cause some low level flooding in the usual places along Ferry Rd and the Strand.

The low pressure area due on Friday night into Saturday, already named ‘Brian’, is more intense, however wind direction is forecast to be from the SW, which should mean that despite the 4.1m tide, the risk of flooding is low. High tides are 8.30 in the morning and 20.45 in the evening.

Residents who have concerns should deploy their flood defences, however we will not be activating our Flood Wardens as our judgement at the moment is that the overall risk of significant flooding is low. Sandbags are available at Hannafords Quay on the Strand, at Topsham Quay and Topsham Rec.

Strong winds from the south forecast for early next week

We have been given a ‘heads up’ regarding strong winds from a category 2 tropical storm that has formed in the mid-Atlantic, named Hurricane Ophelia. The severe low pressure area is now tracking north and east and is on course to hit the British Isles on Monday / Tuesday next week.

There is a lack of clarity about the exact track of the storm and timing, however should it coincide with high tides that are due from Tuesday evening next week then there could be a risk of flooding in Topsham.

We are keeping a watchful eye on developments and will update this website appropriately. Should it be necessary to deploy flood defences we will ensure that Flood Wardens are on hand to assist.

Finally, please note that due to a technical issue, at present we are unable to access our email server thus will not be able to issue any warning emails. So please urge people to check this website direct and keep abreast of the weather reports on tv, radio and social media.