Storm Ingrid wreaked havoc in the regions of Devon and Cornwall, causing significant damage to a historical pier and a sea wall adjacent to a major railway line. The storm unleashed powerful waves that battered Teignmouth, resulting in the destruction of part of the town’s renowned Grand Pier, which has stood since 1867. Teignmouth mayor, Cate Williams, described the impact as severe, noting that the pier had succumbed to the elements due to its age and the relentless force of the storm.

Prior to the storm’s arrival, the affected pier, which housed an arcade and was a popular spot for visitors, had been accessible to the public. In a nearby town, Dawlish, the sea wall protecting the primary railway line to the southwest partially collapsed, leading to the suspension of all train services between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth.

Local residents described the night in Dawlish as intense, with significant damage observed along the railway line. Network Rail issued a rare black alert as massive waves pounded the sea wall, marking only the second time such a warning had been issued since previous storm-related incidents in 2014. Train services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot were canceled due to safety concerns caused by debris on the tracks.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Newton Abbot emphasized the crucial role of the railway as a lifeline for the region and called for enhanced protective measures to safeguard the infrastructure. In other affected areas like Torcross and Exmouth, properties suffered damage, and incidents of vehicles trapped in sand drifts and fallen trees were reported along the coast.

The Met Office issued a yellow rain warning for several regions, while flood warnings were in place along the coasts of south Devon and south Cornwall. The area continues to recover from the impact of previous storms, with more heavy rain forecasted to hit the region. Concerns of flooding and further disruption persist as the region braces for additional rainfall in the coming days.