Cornwall thunderstorm warning lifted following two days of flash-flooding

The Duchy has seen roads turn to rivers, massive hailstones and even a waterspout!

Author: Emma HartPublished 17th Aug 2022
Last updated 17th Aug 2022

Another day of downpours flooded roads in Newquay and Fowey, saw hail the size of golf balls reported near Bodmin and a waterspout off the coast but it now looks like Cornwall is out of the worst of it!

On Tuesday, photos show water streaming down Marcus Hill in Newquay after 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.

The Met Office thunderstorm warning for Wednesday 17th August no longer covers Cornwall, but remains in force for areas just across the border - including Tavistock and Holsworthy.

The warning states: "While some places stay dry, others are likely to see thunderstorms with torrential rain during Wednesday, bringing possible 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 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.