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The Forestry Commission has taken the unusual step of closing a forest to the public because of the number of falling trees on Sunday as severe gales up to 70mph were reported across Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police reported were inundated by an 'exceptional number' of calls as trees were brought down blocking dozens of roads across the county. Highways agencies spent Sunday morning battling to reopen major routes during a Met Office yellow weather warning of strong northwesterly winds.

There were train delays because of a fallen tree on the main rail line between Exeter and Newton Abbot. Delays of up to 40 minutes were reported.

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Haldon Forest is a popular weekend walking and cycling spot but on Sunday the Forestry Commission announced it was closed until further notice because they had already had a number of falling trees.

"Due to high winds all facilities are closed, please do not park on the road to enter the park as we have already had trees falling," Haldon Forest Park announced.

"Winds drop between 12-1pm at which point there will be trail checking and clearance by staff. When it is safe to reopen we will update you."

(Image: Forestry Commission)

Earlier nine roads and bridges were closed at one time:

A376 Exmouth Road in both directions blocked due to fallen tree near Turning for The Puffing Billy Pub.Tree on power lines, affecting traffic between Exmouth and Exeter. A379 Sannerville Way Northbound blocked due to fallen tree between Lower Duck Street (Swans Nest Roundabout) and the Exminster Turn off. A fallen tree has hit a vehicle. Strong winds on A361 Taw Bridge in both directions from Sticklepath (Bradiford) to Sticklepath (Sticklepath). Approach with care. Bridge closed to high sided vehicles. A361 Taw Bridge in both directions closed to high sided vehicles due to strong winds from B3149 Braunton Road to A3125. Closed to high sided vehicles only. A386 in both directions partially blocked due to fallen tree at B3216. Affecting traffic between Okehampton and Hatherleigh. A396 in both directions partially blocked due to fallen tree at Green Lane. Affecting traffic between Exeter and Tiverton. B3174 Exeter Road in both directions blocked due to fallen tree near Daisy Mount Roundabout. B3181 Fore Street in both directions blocked due to fallen tree between B3440 Uffculme Road (Willand) and Tiverton Road ( Cullompton ). Plymouth Road in both directions blocked due to fallen tree near Quartzlock Electronics Retail and Repair Shop. St Andrew’s Road partially blocked due to fallen tree near Exwick Church St Andrews. Traffic is coping well.

The largest waves – from data excluding Wales and Scotland – were recorded on the north coast of Cornwall.

At Perranporth, the Channel Coastal Observatory recorded wave heights on Sunday morning at 5.3 metres, or just over 17 feet.