Sections of a historic pier have collapsed and washed away after being battered by Storm Ingrid, which hit Britain with 60mph winds.
Parts of Teignmouth Grand Pier drifted away, which the Devon town’s mayor, Cate Williams, described as “sad” to see.
The mayor said the town had “taken a real battering” overnight from heavy gusts, with “just wild” waves crashing against the pier.
A sea wall protecting the railway line at nearby Dawlish has partially collapsed, with services suspended between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth.
In a post on social media, Teignmouth Pier said it had endured a “dreadful night”.
It continued: “We have lost the end to storm Ingrid. We will assess the situation after the next high tide, please be kind, this is our livelihood. Please everyone stay safe.”
The family-owned pier, which opened in 1867, was opened to the public and home to an arcade.
Ms Williams said: “It has lost part of the pier structure itself, that has dissolved and gone away into the sea.
Part of Teignmouth Grand Pier collapsed during the storm
|
PA
“It’s an old pier and it was needing some attention and I suppose age and wear and tear has taken its toll.
“It has survived many weather conditions as well as world wars. It’s sad when you look at it now to see some of it now missing.”
Teignbridge District Council warned of further disruptions and damage throughout the rest of the weekend.
Martin Wrigley, Liberal Democrat MP for Newton Abbot, stated the damage to the sea wall indicated “more work” was necessary to enhance the railway.
Waves battered parts of Britain during Storm Ingrid
|
PA
He said: “The wall beside the track at Sea Lawn Terrace has been demolished and there is literally tonnes of debris on the line, let alone the amount of water on the line.”
Earlier this month, Storm Goretti battered the UK, particularly hitting parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which recorded gusts of 99mph.
Several homes were evacuated in areas of Cornwall following fears of a gas leak caused by fallen trees.
Great Western Railway (GWR) confirmed trains between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot would be cancelled due to the line not being safe.
Teignbridge District Council warned of further disruptions and damage
|
PA
GWR spokesman James Davis said: “There’s been a significant amount of debris that the sea has thrown onto the track that will need to be cleared before we can run trains safely.
“The line remains closed, and we have a limited bus replacement service operating.
“Clearly, if the same number of people choose to travel as normal, you’re going to find yourself waiting quite some time.”
Cornwall Council warned trees might still be weak or unstable following Storm Goretti.