OVERNIGHT torrential rain on Friday across many parts of Devon has left widespread flooding and some parts of the county almost inaccessible.

OVERNIGHT torrential rain on Friday across many parts of Devon has left widespread flooding and some parts of the county almost inaccessible.

Teams of highways contractors from Devon County Council have been working with Environment Agency staff throughout the night in an effort to keep roads clear of debris.

The council's highway operations control centre was inundated with calls overnight with reports of flooding, fallen trees and landslides, and crews were deployed to those areas worst hit.

Once again East Devon was particularly badly affected and some roads are still blocked from flooding, including the A376 at Clyst St Mary, the B3179 at Clyst St George, the B3180 and B3181, leaving almost all routes to Exmouth impassable.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "This is another exceptionally violent storm, and terribly distressing for the many people who were been affected by it overnight.

"Our highways crews together with the emergency services and other agencies have been working solidly through the night to try and ease some of the problems caused by the weather.

"East Devon has once again been hit badly, although fortunately properties have not been affected on the scale they were in October. However, coming so close behind the appalling storms we suffered then, last night's flooding has only added to the misery.

"Our staff will continue the clean-up over the weekend in an effort to get roads reopened as quickly as possible.

"We are anticipating more rain and snow tonight, with the possibility of some freezing overnight, so I would advise people not to travel unless it is essential, and to proceed with caution when making any necessary journey.