Lucky escape for driver in Storm Noa as house also struck by lightning
Trains are still being affected this morning
Storm Noa might have passed but we're still advised not to travel on South Western trains and a house has been left damaged after being hit by lightning.
Emergency services were called to a house near Kingsbridge last night.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire Service said: "Crews were sent to a property after reports of it being struck by lightning hitting the roof. On arrival crews started checking the loft space using two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and one safety jet.
"No fire was found in the property however the electrics had been damaged and there was an external transformer arcing, so Western Power were requested to also attend.
"Crews ensured that the property, and immediate neighbouring properties were safe, using a thermal imaging camera.
A driver also had a lucky escape near Crediton as their car was hit by a falling tree.
A spokesperson said: "Crews from Crediton and North Tawton Fire Station, along with a flexi-duty officer, attended a single vehicle road traffic collision today where a vehicle had been struck by a falling tree on the A377 near Spence Combe.
"Crews were able to remove the casualty from the vehicle following a casualty assessment, creating space inside the car by moving the seats back. The casualty was then treated at scene until the arrival of the ambulance crews who took her aboard and in to hospital for a full assessment of injuries, injuries are not suspected to be serious at this stage.
"Crews then remained on scene to allow police to complete their investigations and to make the vehicle safe. We wish the casualty all the best for her ongoing recovery."
South Western Railway has issued a do not travel message for customers attempting to travel to and from London Waterloo this morning.
A major signalling problem in the Waterloo area means a significantly reduced service will operate to and from London Waterloo on a very limited number of lines.
Peter Williams, SWR's Customer and Commercial Director, said: "We are very sorry for the disruption this morning. Due to a major signalling problem, which is still under investigation, we are advising customers not to attempt to travel to or from London Waterloo this morning.
"Disruption is expected to last until the end of the day, with significantly fewer services able to run on a very limited number of lines. While the problem is in the Waterloo area we do expect the wider network to be affected as trains and their crews will be displaced.Â
"If you are travelling on the wider network please check before you travel using a journey planner. Once again we're sorry for the disruption."
Cornwall-based environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage has issued more than 20 alerts for sewage on either side of Devon's coastline as a result of the storm's impacts.
Across the county there's a number of reports of trees down, with drivers urged to be careful on the roads this morning. A spokesperson for the Devon Alert service said: "With yesterdays high winds easing, there may still be a large amount of tree and other windblown debris on the roads, pavements and cycleways. Please take care on your journey and drive to the conditions."