Did a Wild Storm Just Wash Away Part of a Historic Pier?

A part of the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier has been washed away as Storm Ingrid unleashes heavy rain and strong winds across Devon and Cornwall. The storm has led to significant disruptions, including closed rail services and flood warnings in the area, highlighting the ongoing challenges the region faces with severe weather.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Storm Ingrid has caused considerable damage in Devon and Cornwall, with Teignmouth's mayor, Cate Williams, describing the situation as the town having "taken a real battering." The storm's impact on the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier is particularly notable, with a section of the pier, which opened in 1867, being washed away by the force of the waves. Currently, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain, effective until 22:00 GMT, while the Environment Agency has placed flood warnings along the south Devon and south Cornwall coasts. Rail services have been severely affected due to debris on the tracks, and local councils are responding to fallen trees and other storm-related incidents.

Key takeaways

Part of the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier has been washed away due to Storm Ingrid.
Heavy rain and strong winds have led to yellow weather warnings across the region.
Rail services are suspended between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth due to debris on the tracks.
Local councils are dealing with fallen trees and other storm-related hazards.
Passengers are advised to avoid rail travel until conditions improve.

Timeline: how we got here

The recent events in Devon and Cornwall can be traced back to a series of storms affecting the region. Key dates include:

14 October 2023: Storm Ingrid brings severe weather, resulting in damage to the Teignmouth Grand Pier and rail disruptions.
13 October 2023: Met Office issues early warnings for heavy rain and strong winds.
February 2014: Similar storms caused significant damage to rail infrastructure in Dawlish.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Storm Ingrid's impact is being felt acutely today, with significant structural damage reported at the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier. The storm has led to a black alert being issued by Network Rail, indicating severe conditions with 12ft (4m) waves hitting the sea wall at Dawlish.

What was already established

Prior to Storm Ingrid, the area had been experiencing a trend of increasingly severe weather events, leading to concerns over infrastructure resilience, particularly for coastal regions like Dawlish and Teignmouth. The recent storm has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, particularly with ageing structures such as the Grand Pier.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The effects of Storm Ingrid on consumers include disrupted travel plans due to closed rail services and the risk of local flooding. Households in affected areas may face challenges in accessing services as local councils respond to storm damage, including fallen trees and infrastructure issues.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in Teignmouth and surrounding areas may face short-term disruptions due to the storm. Rail closures and damage to transport infrastructure can impede supply chains, particularly for businesses reliant on travel. The historical significance of the Grand Pier also raises concerns for tourism, a vital sector for the local economy.

Policy and regulation

In light of the ongoing weather challenges, local councils and the Environment Agency are likely to reassess flood management strategies and emergency response protocols. Future consultations may focus on infrastructure resilience, particularly for historic sites and coastal areas facing increased storm activity.

Numbers that matter

12ft (4m): Height of waves recorded at Dawlish during Storm Ingrid.
1867: Year when the Teignmouth Grand Pier originally opened.
22: Time until which the Met Office weather warning is in effect (22:00 GMT on 14 October 2023).
14: Number of rail services cancelled between Par and Newquay due to flooding.
2: Times a black alert has been issued by Network Rail since February 2014.

Definitions and jargon buster

Met Office: The United Kingdom's national weather service, providing weather and climate-related services.
Black alert: The highest warning level issued by Network Rail, indicating extreme weather conditions that pose significant risks to rail operations.
Teignmouth Grand Pier: A historic pier in Teignmouth, Devon, known for its recreational facilities and significance as a local landmark.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of Storm Ingrid, residents and businesses should stay informed through local news and official channels about ongoing weather conditions and any further warnings issued by the Met Office or Environment Agency.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the region recovers, discussions around infrastructure improvements and flood prevention measures will be critical. Local government and community leaders may initiate consultations to assess damage and develop strategies for future resilience against storms.

Signals to watch

Updates from the Met Office regarding weather forecasts and warnings.
Reports from Network Rail regarding the status of rail services and infrastructure inspections.
Local council announcements about recovery efforts and infrastructure assessments.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on weather warnings and follow local authority guidance.
Plan alternative travel routes if rail services are disrupted.
Report any fallen trees or hazards to local councils for prompt action.

Don’t

Attempt to travel on closed rail services or through flooded areas.
Ignore local advisories regarding safety and storm recovery efforts.
Neglect the condition of your property in light of ongoing weather challenges.

Checklist

Check travel plans and confirm service status with rail providers.
Monitor local news for updates on storm recovery efforts.
Ensure homes are secure and prepare for potential flooding.
Stay in contact with neighbours, particularly vulnerable individuals.
Have an emergency kit ready in case of power outages or severe weather conditions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the immediate impact of Storm Ingrid is evident, it is important to recognise the uncertainties surrounding future weather events and their potential implications. Historical patterns suggest the region may face more frequent severe weather, but the exact nature and timing of future storms remain unpredictable. Additionally, the resilience of ageing infrastructure, such as the Teignmouth Grand Pier, continues to be a concern as it may not withstand future weather challenges without adequate maintenance and investment.

Bottom line

The impact of Storm Ingrid on Devon and Cornwall serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by severe weather. Local authorities and residents must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing immediate concerns while also planning for long-term resilience against future storms. The preservation of historical landmarks like the Teignmouth Grand Pier will require community effort and investment to safeguard against the increasing threat of extreme weather.

FAQs

What caused the damage to the Teignmouth Grand Pier?

The damage to the Teignmouth Grand Pier was caused by severe weather conditions associated with Storm Ingrid, which brought heavy rain and strong winds, leading to significant wave action.

Are there any travel disruptions due to Storm Ingrid?

Yes, there are significant travel disruptions due to Storm Ingrid, including suspended rail services between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth and cancellations on other routes due to flooding and debris on the tracks.

What should residents do to prepare for ongoing storms?

Residents should stay informed about weather updates, secure their properties, and have emergency kits ready. It is also advisable to avoid non-essential travel during severe weather conditions.