Workers from Torbay Council and its maintenance teams have cleared more than 17 tonnes of debris from streets and seafronts in Torquay and across Torbay following a weekend of destructive weather. The cleanup operation began on 26 January 2026 after Storm Ingrid brought Force 10 winds, gusting up to 60mph, and heavy rain to the region (with higher gusts reported on some exposed coasts).
Staff from Torbay Council, SWISCo and Tor Bay Harbours worked around the clock to remove piles of sand, stones, seaweed and fallen trees that had blocked roads and paths. According to Torbay Council and local reporting, tidal surges caused extensive flooding along the seafront: 18 beach chalets at Meadfoot were badly damaged, and heavy items — including two trailers and two large steel piles from Haldon Pier — were washed into Torquay harbour.
The storm caused an estimated £500,000 in damage to harbour infrastructure, according to local authorities and reporting, with pontoons, harbour walls and access ways needing major repair. In Torquay the cleanup was briefly delayed when a suspected ordnance was discovered; the area was temporarily closed while the item was investigated and was later identified as a diver’s air canister.
Cllr David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, praised staff for their hard work in restoring routes and public areas after the storm. Residents are being asked to report any further hazards via the council website as another weather system, Storm Chandra, is expected to bring more rain to the area.
