Cornwall prepares for strong wind and heavy rain
Thursday 2nd February 2017
Please see below press release from Cornwall Council
With the Met Office forecasting that Storm Doris will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Cornwall later today (Thursday) and during Friday, Cornwall Council is warning residents to be prepared and take precautions where necessary.
The latest information from the MET Office and the Environment Agency is for the wettest weather to move across Cornwall later today, with the highest winds expected on Friday. There is currently a Met Office weather wind warning in force, for Friday, with the risk of high winds across coasts and hills and large waves along southern coasts.
Between 10 and 40mm of rain are expected to fall on parts of Cornwall on Thursday, with Gale Force 8 winds expected early to mid afternoon, before the wind slowly eases by early evening.
There are two peaks of strong winds expected on Friday –the first arriving late morning to mid-afternoon, followed by the second peak during mid-afternoon to early evening.
The winds will be at their strongest across the Isles of Scilly and the southern coasts of Cornwall, and around hills during these peaks, ranging from Gale Force 8 up to Gale Force 9 on occasions, with gusts of between 50-65mph,and possibly up to 70mph. These winds may cause some travel disruption – particularly on exposed bridges and high sided vehicles, as well as potential disruption to air and ferry travel There is also the risk of damage to trees and potential disruption to power supplies, as well as the risk of injury from flying debris , such as bins, bins, fences and trampolines and temporary structures.
The strong winds are likely to be accompanied by large waves, especially around the Isles of Scilly, and the southern coasts of Cornwall, which may present a hazard to the public on beaches, sea walls, piers and promenades, especially at high tides, plus on coastal roads and railways, due to wave spray and possible overtopping.
“We are advising members of the public to drive according the prevailing conditions and not to take unnecessary risks” said Geoff Brown, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities. “We would also ask people to avoid walking along the coast path and by cliff edges during the strong winds unless absolutely necessary.
“While we recognise the fascination of watching the large waves people can put themselves in danger by standing too close to quay sides and harbours, please keep a safe distance from the sea as large waves can travel a considerable distance up the shoreline”.
All the agencies are monitoring the situation closely and are on standby to act if the situation deteriorates.
As neither the Council nor the Environment Agency has a statutory duty to provide sandbags, anyone whose property is prone to flooding should ensure they have a supply of sandbags ready to protect their home or business should they need to. Local communities are also encouraged to check with vulnerable neighbours in case they need help with obtaining flood protection materials. Residents are also advised to check that their drains are clear of leaves and blockages.
Sandbags can be obtained from builders merchants, DIY and hardware stores.
For further advice on preparing for flooding is available on the Cornwall Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/flooding
