Take extra care on the roads – that’s the message from Devon County Council with Storm Christoph set to hit tomorrow (Wednesday, January 20).

A Yellow Severe Weather Warning has been issued by the Met Office, with heavy persistent rain forecast from the early hours of Wednesday until around midday on Thursday.

Higher ground across the county is most likely to be affected but up to 50mm of rainfall could impact widespread areas, potentially leading to surface water and flooding.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We could see flooding and issues with surface water on our roads over the next couple days, so we would remind everyone to take extra care. People should only be making essential journeys during lockdown anyway, but those who are out and about should be prepared for the possibility that driving conditions could be difficult.”

Devon County Council is reminding people of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with poorer visibility;

• Be alert to fallen trees and branches, particularly on minor roads where they may not have been reported;

• Consider if your journey is essential and be alert to weather warnings;

• Never drive through floodwater or swollen flowing water, you don’t know how deep it is. Find an alternative route;

• Allow additional time for your journey;

• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front;

• Drive with care and according to the conditions.

For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @DevonAlert