Storm Callun arrives tomorrow

The forecast for the next few days is for periods of heavy rain and a strong southerly wind, particularly on Friday, when there will be gusts up to 50 mph. Whilst the storm will undoubtedly hit coastal areas hard, with so little recent rain, water levels in the estuary are low at present even with  tides of over 4 metres.

At the moment we do not see the need to deploy flood defences as the risk of significant flooding is low, but householders should make their own judgement in this matter - those most exposed to the strong southerly winds may wish err on the side of caution and put up their barriers.

Exeter City Council have provided sandbags, available at the usual pick up points at Topsham Rec and the Quay (also at the Sandbag store in the Matthews Hall car park). 

Topsham Emergency Group

High Tides this week

With the rain and strong winds experienced last night (Saturday) there is some concern regarding the high tides that are scheduled for Topsham this coming week, peaking at 4.5m on Monday evening, 13 August.

Winds have lightened significantly, with the prevailing wind for the next few days coming from the north west and with pressure relatively high, there should be little risk of flooding along the Topsham River Exe riverfront.

None-the-less, if you are away from your property for a while it is sensible to leave your flood defences in place, or have arrangements to have them deployed should the situation warrant.

Topsham Emergency Group

Severe weather and high tides this weekend

Dear Resident

As well as the severe weather caused by Storm Emma meeting the ‘Beast from the East’, this weekend we have high Spring tides that will affect Topsham, at 4.4m close to the highest tides of the year.

High tides are scheduled from today, Friday 2nd March, through to Monday morning. Combined with strong easterly winds, particularly on Saturday, there is the potential for flooding, although our best guess at the moment is that there will only be over-topping at the usual places along the river estuary.

Whilst the snow emergency lasts, please be aware that help from neighbours is at hand, there are many volunteers and community spirited people here in Topsham, so if anyone does require assistance please do not ‘suffer in silence’.

We are not planning to deploy our Flood Wardens, but if the situation in relation to flooding deteriorates then we will issue an update.

Topsham Emergency Group

Winter storms forecast for this week

Winter storms are due to impact the south west from this evening (Tuesday) for a few days. There are high spring tides all this week, with a maximum of 4.5m to be reached on Thursday morning’s high tide at around 8pm. As a consequence there may be low-level flooding and over-topping of the River in vulnerable places, however with winds predominantly from the west we do not anticipate widespread or serious flooding. However, Residents with any concerns at all should deploy their flood defences.

Later this week Flood Wardens will deliver the 2018 tide tables to households in the flood zone, which give information about tide levels for the whole of the year. It would also assist us no end if residents are able to give their email addresses (unfortunately the previous database is now unobtainable). This will enable receipt of warnings put out by the Emergency Group which are tailored specifically to Topsham.

Please send email addresses to topfloods@topsham.org.uk

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.

Atlantic Storms on their way this week

Two quite intense storms are forecast for Thursday and Friday this week which is causing some concern. Thursday, where tide heights are 3.9m (10 am) and 3.6m (10.30pm), is a particular concern at the moment. Winds will be southerly, veering towards SE on Friday, gusting over 40 mph with low pressure and a possible storm surge. There is further low pressure over the weekend but the tide heights will have fallen significantly by then. 

Our current prediction is that the risk of widespread flooding is low, but there could be some waves overtopping, so properties directly adjacent to the river should consider deploying flood defences.

Exeter City Council have made available sandbags on Topsham Quay, Topsham Rec and possibly Hannafords Quay from 8.30 am tomorrow, there are further sandbags available in the store in the corner of Matthews Hall Car Park.

It should be emphasised that there is considerable uncertainty as to the exact path of the storms and their intensity. We will keep this website updated with any significant change to conditions.

Topsham Emergency Group