Storm Eunice will bring high winds this morning through into lunchtime. The public are advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to make a journey please be prepared, expect road closures and disruption due to fallen trees and debris, and take extreme care. Do not do anything to put yourself at risk.
Cornwall’s multi agency Tactical Command Group, led by Superintendent Steve Lenney, was formed this morning at 5am.
The Group consists of Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council Emergency Planning, out of hours Director and communications, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, CORMAC, the Environment Agency, Highways England SW, the Met Office and other utility and emergency services. Cllr Martyn Alvey, the Cabinet Member for Environment, will be joining the group in the Emergency Management Centre.
Update at 6am, Friday 18 February 2022: Stay safe, don’t put yourself at risk
A major incident has been declared after a red weather warning was issued for parts of Cornwall for Friday, February 18.
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, set to see the peak of the storm between 7am and noon on Friday.
Cornwall Council and our partners are working together and are ready to respond to reports of damage and blocked roads.
This is an extremely powerful storm. We are urging people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, and to stay away from the coast, beaches and cliffs. If you do have to make an essential journey - be prepared and expect disruption with possible road closures due to fallen trees and debris.
The Met Office red warning, the highest level 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.
To keep up to date with the latest information please follow the Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, the Met Office and Environment Agency on social media: https://twitter.com/CornwallCouncil | https://twitter.com/DC_Police | https://www.facebook.com/metoffice | https://twitter.com/metoffice
The Met Office has weather warnings and how to stay safe in a storm information on their website.
All waste and recycling collections have been cancelled for Friday 18 February. Black bag rubbish will be collected on Friday 25 February. Recycling, garden waste and clinical waste will be collected on Saturday 19 February. Cleansing activities are cancelled and will be resumed on Saturday 19 February. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/
Some Household Waste Recycling Centres will be closed until at least 12 noon. Currently: Bodmin, Bude, Dudnance, Launceston Newquay, Tintagel, Truro, St Erth and United Mines. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/household-waste-and-recycling-centres/
Some schools are closing for the day on Friday 18 February. For a list of school closures visit the Cornwall Council website https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/schools-and-colleges/school-closures-in-emergencies/
Rail services will be greatly reduced, with Paddington to West of England services reduced to one train per hour. All Cornish branch lines have been suspended this morning into lunchtime. For National Rail travel enquiries call 03457 48 49 50 or visit their website https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
There will be no Transport for Cornwall bus services, including First Kernow, before 0700 at the earliest on Friday 18 February. The situation will be monitored and updates will be posted on their Twitter feed https://twitter.com/GoCornwallBuses
The Tamar Crossings may close or run reduced services on Friday 18 February. If planning journeys for Friday please refer to their website or social media for updates, or call the Ferry on 01752 812233. https://www.facebook.com/tamarcrossings
Know issues in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
- Some properties in Bude, Helston and Penzance / Marazion are experiencing power cuts
- There is some flooding in Looe, with 6 - 10 inches of water expected in the main street
- Perranporth seafront car park is expected to flood and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance
- Bude is experiencing higher than normal tide times, with an increase in water level.
How to get help or report a problem
The Council’s highways service and CORMAC have shut all routine roadworks and have increased crews standing by to respond to issues on Cornwall’s road network.
To report a blocked or damaged road or pavement that is causing an immediate danger, damage to a Cornwall Housing property, highway emergency or an issue which has the potential to cause harm or injury - please call the council on 0300 1234 222 (24 hour) or use our report it form online.
To report flooding, contact the Environment Agency Incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 (24 hour). Be flood aware and prepare if you can, and know what to do if your home starts to flood or call the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188 (24 hour).
The Council is 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.
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you are in danger, call 999.
