Live Updates: Flooding in Axminster area

Following last night's widespread flooding, some areas of Axminster are still being affected.

– Weycroft Bridge has reopened but there is still some standing water on the road - drivers should approach with caution.

– There are also still reports of floodwater on Trafalgar Way and at the bottom of Castle Hill, near the railway crossing.

– The Stoney Lane/Chard Road mini roundabout is clear this morning after flooding last night (see video above by James Coles)

– Axminster Primary Academy was flooded and has closed today due to health and safety concerns. The school has put out a call for de-humidifiers.

– Some railway lines between Exeter St David's and Salisbury are blocked. Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or suspended between Salisbury and Exeter St David's. Disruption is expected until 4pm.

Fire crews out until early hours

Axminster fire crew were first called out shortly after 8pm last night to reports of a property in Harcombe, Uplyme, being flooded from an external source.

Once on the scene, crews made efforts to remove the water using a mini ejector pump. However, owing to the geography around the property, as well as the continuing deluge of rain, this was a long and steady process.

After dealing with the incident, the crew were moved onto another case of flooding in Broadway, near Ilminster.

Fortunately the property wasn't affected but water was flowing through the garage where a local river had burst its banks.

Whilst cleaning kit and tidying up the station following the flooding incidents, the crew were alerted to reports of a property fire in Uplyme.

Once on scene crews quickly confirmed that the alarm was caused by a falling tree taking out some electrical cables, causing a spark and some light smoke logging to one of the affected properties.

This incident was also attended by Colyton and Seaton fire crews, and Lyme Regis and Charmouth crews were also both present for the initial cause of the power line being down.

The Axminster crew finally finished their busy night shortly after 2am this morning.

They commented: "We would like to thank all of our neighbouring stations who attended flooding incidents in and around the Axminster area you all did a fantastic job!"

Seaton fire crew commented: "Fire kit or Dry suits? That's the question we had to ask ourselves last night when we were called to a car well alight in flood water.

"Over 30 calls for help were received last night when an intense rain event left record volumes of surface water causing havoc in our area.

"Crews from Seaton, Colyton Fire Station, Sidmouth Fire Station and Lyme Regis worked together to answer those calls, prioritising life risk, the elderly and the vulnerable.

"Please remember to never drive through flood water even if you are confident of your ability. Last night many drain covers were missing creating a huge hidden hazard under the water. Many vehicles had to be abandoned causing even more disruption to the roads."

You can read more advice and find out where to find help if you have been affected by flooding on the Devon County Council website.

If you have been affected by local flooding, send your photos and videos to [email protected]