Search Intensifies for Missing Kayaker as Storm Ingrid Batters South-West
The search for a missing kayaker continued with urgency yesterday after Storm Ingrid unleashed chaos across the South-West of England, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain that caused significant damage to infrastructure and coastal communities.
Emergency Services Scour River Exe After Disappearance
A man in his 40s vanished on Saturday afternoon after encountering difficulties on the River Exe near the Great Western Bridge in Tiverton, Devon. Police confirmed that while his kayak has been recovered, the individual remains missing. His family has been informed of the distressing situation.
A police spokesman stated: 'Searches and inquiries remain ongoing and there will be an increased emergency service presence in the area.' Devon and Cornwall Police have reiterated that the man's next of kin are being supported during this anxious time.
Historic Pier Damaged and Railway Line Severely Affected
The ferocity of the storm was starkly illustrated at Teignmouth, where a section of the town's historic pier, dating back to the 1860s, was washed away. Mayor Cate Williams described how the structure 'just dissolved' amid the tempestuous conditions on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the main railway line connecting to south Devon and Cornwall was temporarily severed after colossal 50-foot waves damaged part of the sea wall at Dawlish. This critical infrastructure had only been rebuilt twelve years ago following a similarly severe storm. Network Rail reported that both tracks through Dawlish had reopened by yesterday evening, noting that only a small section was compromised and highlighting significant investment in resilience since the line's collapse in 2014.
Widespread Flooding and Coastal Disruption
Cornwall Fire Service reported significant tidal flooding across multiple coastal and low-lying areas, while in Exmouth, coastguard teams were forced to rescue cars stranded by sand drifts that had blown onto the seafront.
The Met Office recorded winds reaching 74mph at Berry Head in Torbay, Devon, on Saturday afternoon, generating enormous waves that relentlessly pounded the coastline. The storm also delivered 46.5mm (1.8 inches) of rain onto already saturated ground, exacerbating flooding risks across the region.
Further Unsettled Weather Forecast Nationwide
The meteorological disruption is far from over. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain across the South-West and South Wales, valid until tomorrow, with up to 80mm (3.15 inches) anticipated on higher ground. A broader warning for tomorrow extends across southern England, where up to 25mm (1 inch) of rainfall is forecast.
After a predominantly murky and damp day today, a band of heavier rain and showers is expected to sweep across the country tomorrow. Colder conditions in northern regions mean snow is forecast on higher ground, including Pennine areas and as far south as the Peak District in the coming days. Limited respite is expected on Wednesday before the rain is set to continue, underscoring a pattern of persistent unsettled weather following recent storms like Goretti.
Emergency services across Devon and Cornwall remain on high alert as they coordinate search efforts and respond to the ongoing impacts of this severe weather event.
