Cornwall Council is continuing its response and recovery work following Storm Goretti, with clean-up operations expected to continue into this week and disruption likely for several days.
Council teams have worked around the clock since the storm hit, clearing fallen trees and debris, responding to safety risks and supporting communities across the Duchy.
While good progress has been made, the scale of the damage means that travel disruption and impacts on schools and services will continue into the week.
Cornwall Council Leader, Cllr Leigh Frost, thanked council officers and residents for their patience and cooperation.
“I want to sincerely thank our council staff and partner agencies who have worked tirelessly, day and night, in extremely challenging conditions to keep people safe and restore access across Cornwall, their dedication has been outstanding” he said.
“This is a complex recovery and while progress is being made, disruption will continue for several days, and I’d like to thank residents for their continued patience and understanding.”
Highways teams are dealing with an unprecedented volume of storm-related incidents - particularly in west Cornwall. Main routes and urgent access points are being prioritised, though a number of smaller roads also remain affected.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Dan Rogerson, said: “Our highways teams have done a tremendous job responding to a huge number of incidents in a very short space of time.
“I want to thank every member of staff involved for their commitment and professionalism. We are continuing to prioritise safety-critical routes, but people should expect travel disruption to continue while this essential work carries on.”
The Council is also prioritising support for vulnerable residents affected by prolonged power outages, particularly those who rely on powered equipment or have additional care needs.
Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna, said: “I’d like to thank our adult social care teams for the extraordinary work they’re doing to support some of our most vulnerable residents during this prolonged period of disruption. They are checking on people, resolving concerns and making sure support is in place where it’s needed most. If anyone is worried about themselves or someone else, please get in touch so we can help.”
Work is continuing across Cornwall to reduce hazards and protect communities as recovery progresses.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, Cllr Thalia Marrington, added: “I’d like to thank residents for the amazing community spirit we’ve seen on display across Cornwall during such a trying time, particularly with people coming together to help keep our communities safe.
“Our teams have been out in very difficult conditions dealing with hazards, supporting communities and coordinating the Council’s response. I also want to thank them for their dedication and resilience. Public safety remains our priority, and we ask people to continue taking care and to follow the advice we’ve provided or signage that’s in place.”
Some schools have not been able to reopen on Monday due to storm damage or unresolved safety issues, while many others will open later in the day to allow essential checks to take place.
The Council has issued risk assessment guidance to support schools in making safe decisions and is liaising with school transport providers where access remains difficult.
Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools, Cllr Hilary Frank, said: “School leaders and council staff have been working incredibly hard to assess sites and make the right decisions for pupils and staff. School closures are updated regularly on Cornwall Council’s website.
“I want to thank everyone involved for putting safety first. We realise this is disruptive for families, but it’s vital that schools only open when conditions are safe.”
Cornwall Council has been providing regular updates via its website and social media channels and will continue to do so as recovery work progresses.
Residents are encouraged to check these channels for the latest information and to report any ongoing issues through the Council’s reporting systems.