Devon Villagers Seek Shelter as Storm Wreaks Havoc on Homes

Residents of Torcross, a coastal village in Devon, are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating storm that has left homes damaged and a key road impassable. The community faced relentless winds and surging waves that battered properties along the beachfront, prompting many to pray for the storm to cease.

Homes in Torcross suffered extensive damage as debris was hurled against them, resulting in broken windows, damaged doors, and compromised roofs. The A379 road, which connects the village with neighboring areas such as Stokenham and Chillington, has been temporarily closed due to significant storm impact. The road is now covered with shingle, and concerns about its structural integrity have been raised, making it unsafe for vehicles.

Bonni Lincoln, a Torcross resident, described the experience as “the most terrified I have ever been.” She recounted how water hit the windows hard enough to dislodge the shutters, forcing her family to huddle together, praying for safety. “We had about an hour’s sleep and then we battened the property down again,” she added, highlighting the courage of the community as neighbors came together to help reattach protective measures to her home.

The storm’s effects are felt deeply, as Graham Simmons, Lincoln’s step-father, noted that while their property sustained damage, it was “not as bad as some.” He mentioned issues with water ingress that brought mud into their home. Another resident, Julie Starr, who lives slightly inland, reported seeing waves crash over nearby houses. “It was very frightening,” she stated, as stones and debris were flung by the storm, preventing residents from approaching the beach.

Residents have shown remarkable solidarity, offering shelter in more robust nearby buildings. “We have a very good community,” Starr remarked, underscoring the collective effort to support one another during this crisis.

The A379, often referred to as the Slapton Line, is crucial for the local population, serving as a vital route for shopping, commuting, and accessing medical services. Initial assessments from highways officials indicate that while the surface of the road may be intact, it has been undermined in many areas, posing a serious safety risk.

Efforts are underway to clear the road and restore access, though it remains uncertain when it will reopen fully. Councillor Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council, visited the site on January 26, 2024, stating, “There’s been a lot of damage to properties in Torcross, with masses of debris flung into the village and onto the A379.” He confirmed that the road would not be passable for some time, as it requires shoring up before it can safely accommodate traffic.

Cllr Brazil plans to contact local Member of Parliament Caroline Voaden to seek financial support for road repairs following her visit to the site over the weekend. As repair efforts commence, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution and a return to normalcy.