Flood alerts issued for whole of Cornish coast as Storm Barra sweeps in
The Met Office says monster waves driven by gales of up to 80mph could trigger flash flooding
Last updated 7th Dec 2021
The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the whole of the coast of Cornwall as Storm Barra looms.
Gales of up to 80mph are expected to hit the Duchy on Tuesday, whipping up monster waves.
The Met Office says there is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
It has issued two severe weather warnings for strong winds, from 9am on Tuesday to 6pm on Wednesday.
Power cuts could be on the cards and drivers are being warned to expect travel disruption as well.
The RNLI and CoastSafe and Cornwall Council have tweeted warnings, urging people to stay away from harbour walls, coastal paths and promenades.
What flood alerts are in force for Cornwall?
The Environment Agency has issued the following flood alerts for Cornwall.
North Cornwall Coast from Land's End to Chapel Porth
North Cornwall Coast from Chapel Porth to The Rumps, excluding the tidal River Camel
North Cornwall Coast from The Rumps to Hartland Point, excluding Bude
Tidal River Camel, excluding Wadebridge and Chapel Amble
South Cornwall Coast from Land's End to Lizard Point
South Cornwall Coast from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head, excluding Truro City
South Cornwall Coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head
South Cornwall Coast from Rame Head to Plymouth, including tidal estuaries
The flooding forecast states: "Flooding is possible over the high tides on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning".
It continues: "Strong Force 8 south westerly winds, veering north westerly, and offshore wave heights of over 7m are forecast to cause wave overtopping of sea defences and sea spray in exposed coastal locations".
It concludes: "Expect tides to be around 600mm higher than predicted because of forecast weather conditions. With strong wind and large waves seafront areas will be dangerous. People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast".
All the latest flood alerts and warnings can be found on the government's flood information website.