MORE flash-flooding in Cornwall as thunderstorm warning gets extended
Drivers are being warned to take extra care as the downpours flood roads
Last updated 16th Aug 2022
Another day of downpours has caused flash-flooding across Cornwall, including in Newquay and Fowey where torrents of water turned roads into rivers.
Photos show water streaming down Marcus Hill in Newquay after just 10 minutes of rain and in Fowey, locals were seen attempting to clear flood water and debris.
A waterspout formed over the mouth of the Fowey Estuary, much to the astonishment of the passengers on board the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry.
Monday's downpours turned Truro's Trafalgar Roundabout into a river, sent torrents of water streaming down the steps to the cellar of a cider farm near Wadebridge and saw hailstones the size of large peas reported near Bodmin.
Thunderstorm warnings are in force for the rest of today (Tuesday 16 August) and a warning for Wednesday 17 August has been extended to last from 00:00am to 23.59pm.
The Met Office has urged drivers to take extra care, with the risk of disruption from lightning strikes and heavy rain.
The forecasts for Tuesday and Wednesday say: "While some places stay dry, others are likely to see thunderstorms with torrential rain bringing some disruption".
What can we expect?
Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
The yellow level warnings for thunderstorms are now in force until 23.59pm on Wednesday 17 August.
For Tuesday, the Met Office states: "Thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain will develop quite widely across much of England and Wales. The extent of these thunderstorms will be more widespread than on Monday, though some spots will still miss storms and remain dry.
"20-30mm of rain is possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 50mm in less than three hours. There is a chance that higher totals could occur in a few spots over the course of the day.
"Hail and frequent lightning are likely additional hazards for some places. There remains some uncertainty at this stage in regional and county level focus".
For Wednesday, the Met Office says: "Whilst some places will miss them, thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain will develop quite widely on Wednesday across central, southern and eastern parts of England and southeast Wales.
"20-30mm of rain is possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 60mm in less than three hours. A few spots could see more rainfall than this still, whilst hail and lightning may be additional hazards".
You can check the latest weather warnings for Cornwall and the UK on the Met Office website.