Storm Herminia wreaked havoc across Devon and Cornwall over the weekend, leaving over 1,000 properties without power, causing road closures, and sparking a fire in Cornwall after a lightning strike.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain and wind, affecting the region until Tuesday morning.
More than 1,175 homes and businesses were impacted by power outages, with Cornwall experiencing the brunt of the disruption. At the peak of the storm, 768 properties in Cornwall and 367 in Devon were without power.
The worst-affected area was Newquay, where 236 outages were recorded. The National Grid assured residents that engineers were working to restore power as quickly as possible.
“Engineers are on site working to reconnect supplies and minimize disruption,” a National Grid spokesperson said. Power restoration efforts were also hindered by fallen trees and flooding, which blocked roads and posed additional challenges for emergency teams.
In Cornwall, a house in Whitecross was struck by lightning, resulting in a small fire. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene at approximately 06:30 on Sunday, using a CO2 extinguisher to quickly extinguish the flames.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted the intensity of the storm’s impact.
The storm’s heavy rain and strong winds also led to severe flooding on roads across the region, with several routes closed due to water accumulation and debris.
Devon and Cornwall Police urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly on the A30 and A303, where flooding was reported. The A303 was closed in both directions between Upottery and Horton Cross after floodwater became impassable.
“Challenging driving conditions are expected, and we urge drivers to take extra care,” said a police spokesperson. “Please allow additional travel time and avoid driving through floodwater, as the depth and potential hazards are unknown.”
In addition to road closures, Dartmoor Zoo announced its closure due to the “extreme weather.”
The zoo, which had already shut on Sunday, reassured visitors that it would reopen as soon as conditions improved. “Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon,” a spokesperson said.
The weather also caused disruption to ferry services. The Cremyll Ferry, which operates between Plymouth and Cremyll, was suspended due to worsening weather conditions. Service providers assured passengers that operations would resume on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, the village of Trenarran in Cornwall was cut off after a 100-year-old tree fell, blocking the main road in and out of the area. Local authorities have been working to clear fallen trees and ensure the safe passage of emergency vehicles.
While the storm’s effects are still being felt, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant.
The Met Office’s weather warnings for rain and wind are in effect until 10:00 GMT on Tuesday for rain and until 06:00 for wind. Clean-up efforts are underway, but the full impact of the storm will likely continue to unfold throughout the week.
