Flood alerts for north Cornwall coast as big waves and high tides hit
The Environment Agency says there could be overtopping
A string of flood alerts have been issued for the north coast of Cornwall as big waves and high spring tides hit.
The Environment Agency says there could be wave overtopping and spray in exposed locations over high tide on Saturday morning.
Forecasters say waves could reach seven metres in height.
Alerts are currently in force for:
Lands End to Chapel Porth
Chapel Porth to The Rumps excluding the tidal River Camel
The Rumps to Hartland Point excluding Bude
At risk areas include Sennen, St Ives, Carbis Bay, Lelant, Portreath and Porthtowan, Trevellas, Perranporth, Newquay, Mawgan Porth, Porth and Polzeath, and Port Quinn, Port Isaac, Port Gaverne, Flexbury, Widmouth Bay, Trebarwith Strand and Boscastle.
It comes after days of wind and rain and people are urged to be prepared.
"Flooding is possible over the morning high tide on Saturday 13th March. Force 7, west-north-westerly winds are forecast to coincide with a spring tide and offshore wave heights of around 7m.
"This may cause localised wave over-topping of defences and spray in exposed coastal areas. Locations at risk include Porthmeor and Portreath.
"People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast. The time of the high tide at St Ives on Saturday morning is 05:09. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
"Flooding is possible 2 hours either side of high tide. This message will be updated by midday on Saturday 13th March or earlier if the situation changes."
Environment Agency