Fresh flood alerts and warnings put in place across Cornwall

The Environment Agency is urging the public to keep away from the coast

Author: Jo SymesPublished 15th Dec 2020
Last updated 16th Dec 2020

A string of flood alerts and warnings have been issued across Cornwall by the Environment Agency for the coming days.

It's as the Met Office has forecast high spring tides, big waves and westerly winds along the coastline starting from the morning of Wednesday 16th December.

Earlier today, Tuesday 15 December, flood warnings across the Duchy were put in place.

Nine warnings are in place across the south of the Duchy including;

Bodmin Town Leat from Berrycombe Road to the Royal Mail Depot

River Lynher from Berriowbridge to Notter Bridge

South Cornwall coast at Mounts Bay, properties located behind the seafront

South Cornwall coast at Mounts Bay, seafront properties

South Cornwall Coast At Truro

South Cornwall Coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head

South Cornwall Coast from Lands End to Lizard Point excluding Mounts Bay

South Cornwall Coast from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head excluding Truro City

South Cornwall Coast from Rame Head to Wembury Bay including tidal estuaries

  • Lands End to Lizard Point

It comes as a yellow weather warning for wind comes into force for Cornwall on Wednesday.

Cornwall is to be battered by strong winds and big waves in 15-hour weather warning

The Met Office says the Duchy will be battered by gales of up to 60mph along with big waves.

"Force 8 Southerly winds and offshore wave heights of up to 6m are forecast to cause flooding to properties.

"Conditions may apply two hours either side of the high tide. Expect tides to be around 450mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.

"Large waves and spray are likely, so take care near coastal paths and promenades. This may cause localised standing water on roads.

"Heavy rain is forecast over high tide which may lead to localised surface water flooding due to tide locking. Do not drive through flood water or waves."

Spokesperson, Environment Agency

Meanwhile, three flood alerts are also in place across the Duchy. Places at risk include:

  • Upper River Tamar
  • North Cornwall Rivers including Newquay, Padstow, Wadebridge and Sladesbridge, Bodmin, Lanivet, Boscastle and Camelford.
  • West Cornwall Rivers including Lands End, Penzance, Helston, Crowlas, St Ives, Hayle, Camborne, Portreath and Perranporth.

"Flooding is possible tomorrow morning, (Wednesday 16th December). Heavy rainfall is forecast from early morning and rivers are expected to respond and peak by mid-morning.

"Forecast levels suggest that there will be flooding to low lying land and roads close to the rivers.

"Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions. We are monitoring river levels and have staff in the area checking for and clearing blockages."

Spokesperson, Environment Agency

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