Major disruption across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly in wake of Storm Goretti
Crews are working to clear fallen trees and repair damage following the storm
Last updated 9th Jan 2026
Storm Goretti, described as one of the worst storms to hit Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in living memory, has caused widespread disruptions, leaving homes without power, schools closed, and roads blocked by fallen trees.
Clean-up efforts are underway, but authorities have warned that the scale of the damage means recovery will take several days.
Cornwall Council are asking people not to travel unless necessary as crews work around the clock to clear fallen trees and make emergency repairs.
The authority added that around 35,000 homes were still without electricity as of midday today (January 9) and the National Grid are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
In the Helston and Lizard area, emergency repairs are ongoing to address a significant water outage impacting around 15,000 properties.
Cornwall Council said bottled water is being distributed to affected households.
Emergency services and Cornwall Council teams worked throughout the night responding to incidents caused by the severe weather.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to respond to unsafe structures and priority incidents, while working through a backlog of triaged calls.
Councillor Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, has urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary to allow crews to work safely:
“Clean-up operations are well underway, but the scale of the damage means this is likely to take several days to fully resolve,”
“Our focus is on making roads, footways and critical infrastructure safe as quickly as possible.
"There are a lot of fallen trees on the roads. Driving conditions remain treacherous, so please avoid travelling if you can and give our crews the space they need to carry out urgent repairs safely.
"We are extremely grateful to council staff and our colleagues within the emergency services and partner organisations that have been working throughout the night to keep people safe in extremely difficult conditions.”
Penlee Park in Penzance is closed while works and safety checks are carried out on several large fallen trees.
Penlee House Gallery & Museum is also shut today due to storm damage.
Penzance Council said Pengarth Day Centre is open for elderly individuals who need a warm space and the centre can also deliver food directly to homes.
People are also being asked by Cornwall Council to continue putting out their bins as usual, but say crews will only collect where conditions allow.