A multi-agency task force keeping tabs on the approaching storm Imogen has issued warnings and advice to motorists and home-owners across Cornwall tonight.

The Tactical Command Group, which is led by Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith, had a tele-conference call this evening to discuss the yellow weather warning across all areas of Cornwall and the amber coast warning.

The group is made up of Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council emergency planning, duty director and communications, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, CORMAC, Environment Agency, Highways England SW, Cornwall Airport Newquay, the Met Office and the military.

It put out an alert at 6pm tonight which warned that Storm Imogen is approaching Cornwall and will bring with it heavy rain and high winds which will cause difficult driving conditions, damage to trees with the high possibility of trees and power lines being brought down, and coastal damage with stones and boulders being washed onto promenades, pavements and roads.

The storm will be moving eastwards across the UK through tomorrow with strong severe gale force westerly winds of 60 to 70mph widely both inland and along the coast with gusts of up to 80mph along the coasts. An amber wind warning will also be in force from 3am until 6pm tomorrow.

People are asked to avoid all coastal areas and high risk flood areas, and if they have to travel – to take extreme care.

Devon & Cornwall Police and all other emergency services, along with CORMAC and EA crews are all on high alert ready to respond to any incidents of flooding or highway issues. All of CORMAC’s 25 gritter drivers are on alert to assist in clearing debris and remove fallen trees.

The Environment Agency has a fluvial flood alert for the whole of Cornwall, with coastal tidal flood alerts for both coats, especially Mounts bay and the entire length of the north coast.

The high winds along with high tides between 4.15am and 5.20am could bring big surges and waves, similar to the storms in late 2013 and early 2014. Tide gates are being operated.

Anyone who owns a tidal/coastal asset is advised to inspect them for damage first thing tomorrow morning.