All the news from Cornwall's wild weekend of flooding and wind

8:31pm Saturday 24th November 2012 in News By Jonathan Millar

This live event has finished

10:28am

8:40pm

With the worst of the weather hopefully over, here is a summary from Cornwall Council.

Agencies in Cornwall have a spent a second day dealing with the impact of the strong winds and heavy rain which have swept through the South West. .

The multi agency silver control centre was opened at 4pm on Sunday, 25 November to co ordinate the multi agency response to the severe weather conditions. 

Over the past 12 hours crews from the council’s highways, environment, and fire and rescue service have been dealing with large numbers of calls about flooded roads and properties and fallen trees.  More than 20 highways and environment teams have been involved in the incident, along with fire and rescue crews from across Cornwall .

The heaviest rain is now moving away from Cornwall , although the agencies are continuing to monitor the river levels in a number of areas.

The main issues being dealt with today include flooding in a small number of domestic properties in Perranporth, Looe, St Buryan  and Lostwithiel and a tree which blocked the A38 at Notter Bridge .  These issues have all now been dealt with. 

There was also an issue with flooding reported of a small number of properties at Cawsands.  The issue appears to have been caused by popped manhole covers and is being dealt with by the Environment Agency and South West Water.  There are ongoing concerns over a blocked culvert and the Environment Agency are supplying sand bags to affected local residents.

The severe weather first affected Cornwall on Saturday afternoon.  The multi agency Silver Control centre at County Hall was opened at 6.30pm and staff from all agencies then spent the next ten hours dealing with emergency calls.

The Customer Contact Centre at Scorrier was also opened to deal with the high volume of calls and crews from the fire and rescue service, the highways service, environment team, and the localism service were all been involved in responding to reports of flooding.

The main areas of concern yesterday were Helston, Polperro, Mevagissey, Millbrook, Mevagissey, Lostwithiel and Torpoint. Rest centres were set up a number of areas to provide support for residents who had to leave their homes.

This includes up to 100 people from 40 properties evacuated from Millbrook, and people evacuated from both Lostwithiel and Mevagissey .  There was also a landslide At East Portholland, near Mevagissey where ten residents from five properties had to spend the night in a nearby hotel when a landslide affected their properties.

8:28pm

Severe Perranporth flood warning now removed, but still 59 Flood warnings across the South West

 

7:57pm

Well that about wraps it up for the live feed. Major updates as and when they happen.

Police are reporting difficult driving conditions, with debris and standing water in many areas. Road conditions are also likely to be poor tomorrow morning. Drive with care and heed the emergency services. Flooding is still a major prolem across the SW.

Wet weather will continue this evening, with flood warnings and alerts in place across the county. Visit the Environment Agency SW for up-to-date information.

Transport has also been disrupted. Visit our travel pages here for more information.

Due to severe weather conditions First are advising you do not travel to or from Devon or Cornwall unless absolutely necessary. Services in and around Wales are also limited so again please try and avoid travelling in these areas, where possible.

Customers are advised that if they do wish to travel to please expect extended delays to your journey times as limited road transport will be in operation.

Services between Bristol and London are running but are having to be revised, so please expect longer Journey times and crowded services.

Please check before travelling:-

Visit the JourneyCheck website to find out about specific services; http://www.journeycheck.com/firstgreatwestern

 

7:05pm

Seems to have calmed down a bit for now, weather wise.

This picure just in of the downed tree that closed the road at the A38 (Notter Bridge) at about 4.15pm.

https://twitter.com/AlisonJohns6/status/272751953174470656/photo/1

6:34pm

6:30pm

6:26pm

Here is the whole Devon and Cornwall river levels map and data

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels/120543.aspx

6:21pm

Amazing service from the Environment Agency. River and stream level updates for the Fal and St. Austell area

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels/120721.aspx

6:16pm

Worst of the weather over? Weather chaos update. (Thanks to Cornwall Council)

The EA are reporting between 10-15 mm of rainfall falling over the rest of today – latest radar images suggesting this should be clearing Cornwall by 6.30pm.   They are keeping a watching brief on a number of rivers where levels are rising – including Perranporth, the Seaton, the Lynher and the Cober. 

Loe Pool is also an area of concern and this is being monitored closely. There are currently 9 flood alerts across Cornwall .

Highways, environment and fire and rescue crews are continuing to deal with incidents across Cornwall .  There are reports of flooding on a number of roads, including Mylor Bridge , Ladock and Tresilian which are being dealt with by highways crews.

6:03pm

6:01pm

5:58pm

5:56pm

Road or river

http://pic.twitter.com/Lg30oGEl

5:53pm

5:43pm

Reminder: Flood Alert .

A Severe Flood Warning remains in force for the River Cober, Helston due to rising water levels in Loe Pool.

5:38pm

5:36pm

5:34pm

Reports of an accident on the A39

5:32pm

5:32pm

Travel update: A3078 Tregony

A3078 both ways closed due to flooding around Frog Lane.

For up to date travel info visit http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/li/traffic_and_travel.in.Cornwall/

5:31pm

Jake Riding reports the River Cober in Helston is about to burst its banks

5:28pm

5:27pm

The Constantine to Falmouth road is still ok, but take care, there is a lot of standing water and debris.

5:25pm

Cornwall Fire Control received another 50 calls up to a couple hours ago and crews are still out in Falmouth as rain continues to fall.

5:24pm

5:24pm

Gloria Knight reports: Awful in Coverack again; so be really careful anyone driving over Goonhilly

5:21pm

5:18pm

5:16pm

@nursechrissieg describes Falmouth as "saturated", with a river running down Killigrew Street

5:15pm

Devon & Cornwall Police : Road conditions still expected to be difficult while driving to work tomorrow - allow extra time and be patient and courteous to other drivers

 

5:12pm

ShelterBox in Helston is reported to have offered help to the emergency services in supporting those affected by flooding

5:10pm

5:06pm

Twenty teams from Cornwall Council's highways and environment services are currently out dealing with incidents of flooding across the county

5:05pm

Cornwall's fire and rescue service has already had more than 50 emergency calls today and currently has five crews out dealing with incidents

 

5:02pm

Colin Banfield reports the A39 is closed due to subsidence and flooding at B3292 (Treluswell Roundabout).
 

3:59pm

Around 250 properties in Devon and Cornwall were affected by flood water yesterday.

More than 150 people who were evacuated overnight have now returned home.

Up to 50 roads were shut yesterday and 20 A and B roads remain
closed at present.
 

3:58pm

With rain now falling once again in many parts of the county,  police are urging the public to be vigilant.

Superintendent Sarah Sharpe, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We would ask people only to travel if they really have to and to stay away from swollen rivers and streams.

“Please do not walk into flood water – it is exceptionally dangerous, and don’t be tempted to drive into flood water even if you think you can make it to the other side. The roads remain a risk in many areas due to surface water and flooding, abandoned vehicles, debris and fallen tree branches.

“We are expecting more rain in the next ten to 12 hours and our message to people is to stay indoors, stay safe and be cautious.

“If you feel your property is at risk of flooding please use the current break in the weather to take all necessary precautions to safeguard your property and prepare for potential evacuation.”

 

3:54pm

We are getting reports of fire crews and the air ambulance attending an incident at Penrose, Helston around half an hour ago. More updates when we know more. (Thanks to Benjamin, @mudgeyboy, for the update)

3:40pm

3:38pm

3:35pm

3:30pm

The Coombe River bursts its banks by the Newlyn Meadery and floods the centre of town. 24 November 2012

3:27pm

3:24pm

3:16pm

 

3:11pm

2:49pm

 

2:45pm

 

2:44pm

Warning of more rain to come: Met Office

Valid from: 1300 on Sun 25 Nov 2012

Valid to: 2359 on Sun 25 Nov 2012

After a drier interlude, further heavy rain is expected to affect the area during Sunday afternoon and evening. Given existing levels of saturation, the public should be aware of the risk of localised flooding.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/?regionName=sw

12:51pm

Cornwall Council: Please don't overtake people on roads affected by flooding - it is creating waves of water which could cause damage.

12:49pm

Parts of Helston continue to be on a severe flooding warning this lunchtime, having been put on alert by the Environment Agency at 9.40pm yesterday.

The agency has published the information on its website, which is updated every 15 minutes.

The warning affects the River Cober at St Johns Road, St Johns Close, Coronation Park and Loe Pool.

A flood warning has also been put on the section of the River Cober from Wendron to Lowertown, with the Environment Agency warning that flooding is expected in areas including Wendron, Coverack Bridges, Trannack Mill Industrial Estate and Lowertown Methodist Church.
 

12:35pm

Prime Minister David Cameron is reported to be "shocked" at flooding in the South West

12:31pm

Cornwall Council: Highways report there is oil on some roads affected by flooding which are creating slippery conditions. Please drive with care.

12:30pm

12:28pm

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service received approximately 400 calls between mid afternoon yesterday and this morning.

12:25pm

Cornwall SRT reports: Still a huge amount of debris and abandoned cars on the back roads. Road from Gwennap to Cusgarne impassable.

12:22pm

12:19pm

Jake Riding reports that the flood on Porthleven Road, Helston (outside Flora Motors) is now almost gone, thanks to the efforts of locals clearing it.

12:16pm

11:31am

Mylor seems clear this morning with all roads passable except Church Road which is blocked by a small tree at the church end.

However more rain is forecast for this afternoon.

10:09am

10:08am

10:08am

10:02am

Flooding on Bissoe Road between the Bissoe junction and the Twelveheads junction.
 

10:01am

Flooding on the B3285 in Perranporth between the Station Road junction and the A3075 Newquay Road junction

10:01am

Flooding on A3058 between the Carnego Lane junction in Summercourt and the A392 East Road junction in Quintrell Downs.

Also flooding on the A3059 between the A3058 Quintrell Road junction in St Columb Minor and the turnoff for Carnanton junction in Newquay Airport.
 

10:00am

Flooding on the A394 in Helston near the B3304 junction

9:59am

Flooding on the A390 at Morlaix Avenue in both directions in Truro, between the Quay Street junction and the Newham Road junction

9:59am

Flooding on the A39 in Devoran around the Greenbank Road junction.
 

9:58am

The A30 is closed in both directions between Callywith in Bodmin and Bodmin Moor Services in Polyphant, because of debris on the road.

There is also flooding on the A30 near Victoria, both ways on the B3274 Victoria Road.

9:51am

9:44am

After a brief interlude this morning more heavy rain is forecast for Cornwall this afternoon.

The Met Office has issued another severe weather warning saying after a drier interlude, further heavy rain is expected to affect Wales and southwestern parts of England during Sunday afternoon and evening.

Given existing levels of saturation, the public should be aware of the risk of localised flooding.

9:43am

On a lighter note, a  number of ducks in Dawlish had a lucky escape.

A caged area used to raise young ducks on the river in the centre of Dawlish had to be forced open by police officers with bolt croppers to stop them drowning in the rising water.
 

9:43am

More sombre news from Devon, as a woman in her late 20s died from her injuries when a tree fell on her and two others on Western Way in Exeter. 

In Plymouth around 60 people have been evacuated from around 12 locations. The Ride was badly affected as was the Colebrook area.

Police officers have dealt with numerous reports of people stuck in their cars in the flood water across Devon.

There has been significant disruption to the road network affecting both local and main roads. The A38 where it meets the M5 was badly affected by surface water and the A377 west of Cowley Bridge remains impassable at this time. 

Residents of a nursing home at Cullompton were evacuated as a precaution due to water levels.

Some of the areas badly affected were Dawlish, Exmouth, Topsham, Seaton, Newton St Cyres and Stoke Cannon. 

9:41am

Devon & Cornwall Police hae said that emergency services dealt with around 80 properties that flooded across the county in the last 24 hours.

The areas that were most significantly affected were Mevagissey, Polperro, Helston, Millbrook, Perranporth and Newlyn.

Officers have dealt with numerous reports of people stuck in their cars in the flood water but thankfully there have been no reports of anyone being injured as a result of the weather in the county.

9:34am

A landslide at East Portholland, near Mevagissey, meant ten people had to be evacuated from their homes just before 2am.

They were helped to safety by firefighters from Mevagissey, who discovered the landslide at the back of a set of homes.

Building surveyors were called to inspect the area and the danger.

Tthe residents forced out made arrangements to stay with friends and relatives.

 

9:31am

There is an ongoing flooding incident at Trenear, Helston where there are several properties suffering severe flooding.

Some residents were evacuated.

Fire crews from Helston and Camborne were at the scene from just after 3am and have been using three pumps to remove water.

Relief crews from Mullion arrived around 6am to take over, with the Fire and Rescue Service saying the incident would be continuing "for some time."

9:29am

Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said it has been "inundated" with incidents over the last 24 hours, which started at around 2pm yesterday.

Fire Control has received, or acted on, over 350 various incidents up to 6am today.

Rescue resources from every fire station in Cornwall have been involved.

The incidents that Cornwall Fire & Rescue have attended were classified as 'Life Risk' and crews also helped in major pumping out of properties that were severely flooded.

The High Volume Pump was sent to Perranporth to help remove a large volume of water from surrounding properties.

Most crews had returned home by 6am.

9:25am

11:46pm

11:44pm

11:42pm

Cornwall Council: The river has burst its banks at Ladock and the road has been closed. Local residents are being urged to take precautions

11:40pm

Perranwell and Perranarworthal are now reported to be impassable and the road closed between Treluswell and the Norway Inn

11:30pm

At one stage tonight Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service had 29 fire engines out at the same time responding to emergencies

11:28pm

Laura Johnson reports there is now a river running down Commercial Road in Mousehole

11:21pm

Environment Agency is still saying on its website the River Cober in Helston is under severe flood warning 'danger to life' in the following areas: St Johns Road, St Johns Close, Coronation Park and Loe Pool  

11:17pm

Pete Appleyard reports on Twitter: Many road around Tregony impassable. Sticker to Tregony road under water and Daddiport to Ruan under deep water. Tregony river VERY swollen 

11:16pm

Devon & Cornwall: Appears worst of the rain moving away from Cornwall into Devon - emergency services and partners coping but flat out responding in numerous locations
 

11:13pm

Visit Falmouth reports that Mylor and St Mawes are cut off

11:12pm

Environment Agency issues a third severe flood warning - 'danger to life' - for Bolingey Stream from Bolingey to Perranporth 

11:10pm

Reports that the river has broken its banks at Station Road, Perranporth.

11:07pm

Devon & Cornwall Police: Please don’t be tempted to go to flood affected areas, this is taking up valuable resources to manage their safety - stay indoors please

 

10:56pm

10:53pm

Cornwall Council: Some river levels appear to be stabilising as the rain moves through Cornwall. Agencies are still monitoring the situation - take care

 

10:51pm

People are reported to be returning to their homes in Helston, with the evacuation centre at the Guildhall stood down

10:50pm

Cornwall Council has issued advice over what to do in the event of flooding: 

Reduce Flood Water Getting into your Home
Ideally, cover doors, windows and airbricks with plywood, sandbags, metal sheeting or a 'bought in' product made for the job.

Gas, Electricity and Water

Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains. Find out where these controls are well in advance of any flood
Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or as high up as possible
Put plugs into sinks and weigh them down with something heavy
Furniture and Appliances

Move as much furniture and electrical items as you can upstairs. Alternatively raise them up on bricks or blocks - this may be very helpful for large appliances such as fridge-freezers
Move furniture away from walls, as this helps when drying your property later
If you can, roll up carpets and rugs and put them upstairs
If there is no time to remove curtains, hang them up over the rail so they are kept above flood water
Leave internal doors open, or ideally, remove them and store them upstairs
Personal Items

You cannot replace sentimental items such as photos. Think about permanently moving these upstairs, so you do not forget to move them in the case of a flood.

Keep important personal documents in a sealed bag, and in a location safe from flood water. These should include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, contracts, title deeds, etc.

 

 

10:44pm

10:41pm

Penryn's Eastwood Road and surrounding area are flooded - thanks to Philippa Starkey for the update

10:36pm

Mylor impassable in places

10:35pm

Sections of Penryn are blocked by police, due to flooding

10:31pm

The B3298 Carharrack tos Comford is completely impassable and will be closed overnight. Diversions are via Lanner

10:30pm

Redruth Police Station reports substantial standing water on the B3297 between Redruth and Fourlanes. Two vehicles have already overturned.

10:29pm

Jayne Kirkham reports Bickland Water Road in Falmouth is flooded at the football club and a tree is down on Melvill Road, otherwise things are not too bad from Penryn to Penden

 

10:27pm

The Met Office is reporting further heavy rain and the risk of flooding tonight, although rain should start to ease from the west overnight, clearing all parts by dawn.

Winds will also decrease through the early hours.

For Sunday some dry weather is forecast in the morning, although a few showers are possible. However further rain will arrive during the afternoon, heavy at times in the west.

10:24pm

Philippa Starkey reports Brown's Bridge on Penryn's Commercial Road is due to collapse.

 

10:21pm

Environment Agency: "We're running very low on sandbags in Cornwall. Unless you're in real need, please don't ask for any from us or Cornwall Council. Thanks"

 

10:20pm

10:07pm

10:07pm

10:06pm

Redruth fire appliances have attended flooding in Four Lanes, Carn Marth and Portreath

10:04pm

10:02pm

The B3298 at Carharrack is closed due to an accident between the A393 and Church Hill.

 

9:59pm

The Environment Agency has warned in the last half an hour: "The flooding situation in Polperro is now significant and serious. River levels are rising and expected to continue to flood, causing significant flooding.

"This flooding is happening now so please take appropriate action by moving higher up and not taking any risks."

The affected areas are the River Pol at Polperro including Crumplehorn, The Coombe, Lansallos Street, Mill Hill, Langreek Road and the main car park
 

 

9:57pm

A severe flood warnings, described by the Environment Agency as 'danger to life' has been issued for Polperro, with standard flood warnings for Bolingey Stream from Bolingey to Perranporth, the River Cober at Helston, the River Tresillian at Ladock,

9:52pm

Bissoe Road in Bissoe blocked in both directions between the Bissoe junction and the Twelveheads junction, because of flooding.
 

9:52pm

A394 in Helston blocked at the B3304 junction, because of flooding

9:51pm

The A390 at Morlaix Avenue in Truro is blocked in both directions between the Quay Street junction and the Newham Road junction, because of flooding

9:50pm

The A39 in Devoran is blocked in both directions around the Greenbank Road junction, because of flooding

9:50pm

The A30 is blocked at Victoria in both directions due to flooding

9:48pm

9:42pm

9:41pm

Penlee Lifeboat is reporting that Newlyn is flooded, Coombe river has swollen, flooding the Newlyn Bridge crossroads to the Swordfish pub, and there is 3ft of water in places

9:39pm

9:37pm

The fire and rescue service are dealing with a large number of major incidents- so can't deal immediately with calls to flooded properties - Cornwall Council

 

9:25pm

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Tresillian at Ladock

9:18pm

People have been asked to remember that the 999 number is for emergencies only

9:16pm

9:14pm

Flooding is understood to be imminent at Castle Green, Helston

9:11pm

9:11pm

Karen, aka @vegipasty, says the stream in her garden has expanded from 1m to 7m in parts and is the worst it has been for 11 years

9:05pm

9:04pm

A rest centre is being set up at the Guildhall in Helston for anyone whose home is being affected by the flooding - Cornwall Council

9:03pm

'Silver Control' has been set up at County Hall as agencies work together to deal with the effects of the severe weather

8:59pm

‏@naturalfeet reports that Nantithet, Cury ford is flooded badly and not to attempt to attempt to cross it. "Had to rescue woman whose car got stuck in 4' water," they add.
 

8:57pm

Blue lights regularly flashing past the window as emergency services help those struggling to cope here in Helston

8:56pm

8:52pm

Browns Hill, Penryn (near the park) is now closed

8:51pm

Cornwall Council says some motorists are still driving too fast in these conditions - please slow down

8:49pm

Residents in the St John's and Penzance Road area of Helston have been warned by the Environment Agency that the banks of the River Cober are estimated to burst within 30 minutes

8:47pm

Del Folds reports that the roads around Manaccan are completely flooded

8:44pm

Philippa Starkey reports that the wind has suddenly picked up in Penryn and the roads are like rivers

8:42pm

Cornwall Council is warning people in St John's Road and Lowertown, Helston to move their cars and possessions as the River Cover water levels rise

8:40pm

8:37pm

Police officers are understood to be knocking on doors in Helston warning residents that the River Cober is about to burst

8:36pm

8:35pm

8:33pm

Cornwall Council has warned of concerns over rising water levels in Trelawney Park, Penryn, where defences are said to be working although people in Commercial Road should "take precautions."

 

8:32pm

Cornwall Council has warned residents of Helston to "take immediate precautions" as river levels continue to rise.

An hour ago the authority revealed that agencies were monitoring the River Cober and Helston Leats, which at the time had not flooded.
 

8:32pm

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heavy rain for the region and is warning the public to be prepared for flooding.

8:32pm

Flooding has also blocked the A39 in Devoran and the A394 at the junction with the B3304 in Helston.

8:31pm

Roads into Mylor Bridge and Mawnan Smith are badly flooded with blocked drains from fallen leaves causing the water to back up.

 

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