Major incident declared in Cornwall as Storm Eunice triggers red weather warning
The Council and partners are working to prepare and respond to damage
A major incident has been declared in Cornwall after a red weather warning was issued for parts of the Duchy.
The Council and its partners are working together to prepare and are ready to respond to reports of damage, and you should be prepared to be contacted by members of your community who are looking for leadership and support.
Storm Eunice is set to bring damaging winds across the whole of the peninsula, with the worst affected areas, including the whole of the North Cornwall coast seeing the red warning issued for between 7am and midday on Friday (18th February).
The whole of the peninsula is also under an amber weather warning for strong winds and disruption from 5am to 9pm.
Residents are being advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary, and to stay away from exposed coastal areas.
The Met Office warnings, the two highest levels that can be issued, means there is a risk to life from flying debris.
Other impacts could include:
extremely high winds, with gusts of up to 80/90mph even 100mph around the coast and beaches especially around high tide (7am Friday morning)
widespread and major disruption to travel, with all forms of travel impacted (road, rail, air, sea, ferry)
structural damage
mobile homes being overturned
communications and power outages
uprooted trees
very hazardous conditions for the public
temporary structures (e.g., trampolines) being lifted and blown onto roads and railways
large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties.
All non-essential roadworks across Cornwall are being placed on hold for the day, with the teams available for clear-up duties as required.
Schools are being provided with the latest forecasts, and decisions on whether to open will be made on an individual basis. Parents and carers are advised to check with their local school for the latest information. A list of schools that have notified the Council of their intention not to open is on the Council website.
Cllr Martyn Alvey, cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “This is still an evolving situation, but we are expecting an extremely powerful winter storm, so our message to residents is to ensure you stay up to date with the forecast, and to avoid all non-essential travel during the storm.
“We are working with our partners to prepare and to ensure we are ready to react to any possible impacts. We are urging people to stay away from the coast, as large waves and high winds are a dangerous combination.”
The Council is also activating its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers. If you see, or know of, anyone sleeping rough call 0300 1234 161.
To report flooding, contact the Environment Agency Incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 (24 hour).
For advice and guidance on protecting yourself and your home from flooding, please call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0345 988 1188 (24 hour).
For travel updates, please use social media, for rail, contact National Rail Enquiries online or on 03457 48 49 50.
To report damage to roads or pavements that is causing an immediate danger, or roads blocked by fallen trees, please call the council on 0300 1234 222 (24 hour).
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you are in danger, please call 999.