As thunder rumbles over Falmouth this afternoon, the Met Office are warning that heavy rain and strong winds are set to return.

The downpours and strong to gale force winds, are expected to cross Cornwall from today through until Saturday morning.

The Met Office says that this will, "bring some locally large accumulations, particularly on hills, and following previous wet weather is likely to lead to some localised flooding".

The narrow band of heavy rain has the potential to turn to snow, primarily, but not exclusively, on high ground. With skies then clearing, this leads to a risk of ice on untreated surfaces.

The Met Office chief forecaster says: "There is some uncertainty over the timing and intensity of this band of rain, but where any heavy bursts occur, rain may quickly turn to snow.

"At low levels, locally 1-2cm of wet snow is possible, although most places will not see this. Hail may also affect some areas, leading to slippery surfaces, before clearing skies allow temperatures to fall and increase the risk of ice on Thursday night.

This second bout of wild weather is due to a deep low pressure system expected to move across the Atlantic later this week, arriving into western parts of the UK on Friday afternoon.

Adding that with mild air and strong winds some large rainfall totals are possible, particularly over high ground. However there remains some uncertainty around this system and this alert is likely to be updated in the coming days.

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.

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