Warning to drivers as Storm Franklin downs trees and power cables across Cornwall
The Met Office wind warning will be in force until 1pm, for gusts of up to 75mph
Last updated 21st Feb 2022
Drivers are being urged to take extra care as Storm Franklin lashes Cornwall, just days after the destruction caused by Storm Eunice.
Firefighters were called to multiple reports of fallen power cables overnight as strong winds batter the Duchy, including teams from Mullion, St Austell and Delabole.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for gusts of up to 75mph and that will be in force until 1pm on Tuesday.
Inrix Traffic and Travel says fallen trees are blocking roads near Newlyn and Garras.
On the Tamar Bridge, one lane is closed due to strong winds.
The St Mawes passenger ferry has suspended services on Monday due to the sea conditions.
You can check the latest incidents affecting Cornwall on our traffic and travel page.
Cornwall Council has issued a plea to check on the vulnerable, as homes across Cornwall are still without power.
Extra teams and generators were brought in overnight, as Western Power works to restore supplies.
Western Power Distribution said: "We know these customers are dealing with extremely difficult situations without power and we are working hard to fix every last incident and keep people informed.
"We expect to restore customers by Monday night, but we are doing all we can to get the lights on earlier for many customers wherever possible, depending on the specific repair needs at each remaining location".
You can check the latest outages and estimated times of restoration on its power cuts map.
The Met Office weather warning states: " Gusts of 55-60mph are expected widely around south and west facing coasts, but possibly also briefly inland. There is a chance that a few exposed places could see gusts near 70mph. Strong gusts associated with blustery wintry showers will follow from the north.
"A swathe of very strong winds will reach Northern Ireland later Sunday evening in association with Storm Franklin. These very strong winds will spread to many other western, central and southern areas of the UK overnight and early Monday, with gusts widely 50-60mph, whilst west facing coastal districts will see gusts of 65-75mph and perhaps 80mph briefly near north coast of Northern Ireland.
"In the south these strong winds may hamper, or slow, ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of Storm Eunice.
"Winds will ease steadily from the northwest during the remainder of Monday".
You can check the latest warnings and full forecast for Cornwall on the Met Office website.