Amber 'danger to life' rain warning for part of Cornwall
Downpours and flooding are forecast across the Duchy
Last updated 18th Dec 2020
A danger to life rain warning has gone out for parts of north and south east Cornwall.
The Met Office has issued an amber alert, which is in force from 11.15am on Friday morning through until midnight.
It covers the likes of Launceston, Callington, Liskeard and Camelford.
Forecasters say there will be downpours, deep flooding and spray on the roads.
Meantime a yellow warning for rain is in force across the whole of Cornwall through until 3am on Saturday morning, along with flood alerts are in force across the whole of the Duchy too.
What to expect
Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads
Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely
"Rain is expected to develop on Friday morning and last for much of the day with periods of heavy rain during the day. 40-60 mm of rain is expected quite widely over high ground within the warning area.
"A few places, across Dartmoor in particular, are likely to see 80-100 mm with much of this falling in around 9-12 hours before clearing eastwards. This is likely to cause flooding and disruption to transport."
Met Office
Meanwhile, six, flood warnings have been out in place across Cornwall affecting the areas surrounding the rivers below:
- River Fowey At Lostwithiel
- River Fowey from Trekeivesteps to Restormel
- River Kensey from Newmills to St Leonards excluding Newport Industrial Estate
- River Lyd from Sydenham to Lifton
- River Lynher from Berriowbridge to Notter Bridge
- River Seaton from the A38 to Seaton
During a warning, it is advised that people do the following:
- turn off gas, water and electricity
- move things upstairs or to safety
- move family, pets and car to safety
The Environment Agency has issued 14 flood alerts. Residents are being told to prepare for flooding across towns and villages close to these rivers:
- Helford and Fal Rivers
- Lower River Tamar
- Lower Torridge Area
- Middle River Tamar
- North Cornwall rivers
- River Fowey
- River Lynher
- River Plym and Tory Brook
- Rivers Looe and Seaton
- Rivers Tavy and Walkham
- St Austell and Par Rivers
- Upper River Tamar
- Upper Torridge Area
- West Cornwall Rivers
Find out if you’re at risk
Enter your postcode to find out if you’re in an area at risk from flooding.
What to do
The best way to protect yourself from flooding is to know what to do in advance.
When a flood alert is in place, you can prepare by getting a bag together of essential items to take with you if you have to leave your home. Keep this in a safe place.
You could include things like spare medication, glasses, clothing, important documents and contact details such as the number of your insurance company.
Create a checklist of things to do to protect your family, such as turning off the electricity and gas to prevent a fire.
Protect your property
You can make changes to your property that will help you to get back to normal more quickly after a flood and reduce the damage flooding can do.
To reduce flood damage you can take steps such as laying tiles instead of carpets, moving electrical sockets higher up the wall and fitting non-return valves to stop flood water entering your property through the drains.
Simple maintenance like keeping drains and gullies clear of debris will also help to protect your property.
"River levels are responding now and rising following the overnight rain. A band of heavy and intense rainfall is forecast to cross the county this morning, Friday 18 December, between 9am and 12pm.
"As catchments are already saturated, rivers are expected to respond quickly. Flood alert levels are expected to be met by early this afternoon. Flood warning levels may be met later this afternoon.
"Areas of concern are the River Cober and the Bolingey Stream. A further band of heavy rain is expected between 5pm and 8pm this evening.
"Flooding of low-lying land and roads close to rivers is possible. Surface water may be deep, especially where leaves have blocked the drains.
"We are monitoring river levels and have staff in the area checking for, and clearing blockages."
Spokesperson, Environment Agency