Following Met Office warnings of heavy rain and strong winds affecting Cornwall over the next five days, agencies are asking everyone to be prepared and take precautions where necessary.

The latest information from the Met Office is for heavy rain and strong winds to affect parts of Cornwall during late Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning, and then for more rain and strong winds to move in during late Friday and Saturday.

There is a risk that the combination of the saturated ground caused by the recent heavy rainfall, coupled with debris from the strong winds and the predicted further rainfall could cause minor flooding in some areas.

As a result people living in areas at risk of flooding are advised to take precautions and not to drive through any flood water. Agencies are also advising organisers of late night shopping events to take precautions.

Crews from the Council’s Environment service and Highways contractor Cormac Solutions Ltd will be out checking that gullies, drains and trash screens in flooding “hot spots” are clear of debris.

Officers from Cornwall Council’s Highways, Environment, Fire and Rescue and Emergency Management services, Devon and Cornwall Police, CORMAC and the Environment Agency are monitoring the situation and are on standby to deal with any problems.

During the floods which took place last year a number of householders reported difficulties in obtaining sandbags when the heavy rain affected their local area. As neither the council nor the Environment Agency has a statutory duty to provide sandbags, anyone whose property is prone to flooding should ensure they have a supply of sandbags ready to protect their home or business should they need to.

Local communities are also encouraged to check with vulnerable neighbours in case they need help with obtaining flood protection materials.

Sandbags can be obtained from builders merchants, DIY and hardware stores. Anyone who is unsure if their property is at risk can check on the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or call the floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Members of the public are advised to sign up to receive free flood warnings from the Environment Agency website, check weather reports on the Met Office website or by listening to local radio and be prepared to change travel plans.

Further advice on preparing for flooding is also available from the council’s website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/flooding