Storm Bert is hitting Devon and Cornwall with flood warnings, fallen trees across the region and many properties without power.

The Environment Agency has published 13 flood warnings and 33 flood alerts for Devon and 15 flood alerts for Cornwall.

THE National Network said he worked through the night to help restore power to about 5,000 homes. Bosses urged people to stay away from any fallen poles or power lines.

Paul Wilkins, duty manager at Devon County Council’s network operations control centre, asked people to only drive if the journey was essential.

Road crews are dealing with a number of fallen trees throughout the area.

Mr Wilkins said: “We had a very busy night, especially with the winds.

“We’ve had a lot of trees down across the network and it seems to be getting worse at the moment, as people start to move around, we’re starting to get more calls.”

The Dartmouth Higher Ferry is closed due to weather conditions.

The Met Office has published yellow weather warningsoutside for strong winds and heavy rain for Devon and Cornwall until Sunday evening.