With Met Office forecasts of strong winds and rain co-inciding with high tides due to affect Cornwall on Sunday, Cornwall Council is warning residents to be prepared and take precautions where necessary.

The latest information from the MET Office and the Environment Agency is for south easterly winds gusting up to 60mph to affect Cornwall from 5 am on Sunday morning. As this co-incides with a period of Spring tides and heavy rainfall there is the potential for some localised overtopping of coastal defences by spray or waves on south facing coasts, especially around the time of high water. As a result the Met office has issued a Yellow Weather warning for high winds and the public are advised to look out for any changes to Environment Agency Flood Warnings over the coming weekend.

Officers from Cornwall Council’s Highways, Environment, Fire and Rescue and Emergency Management services will be monitoring the situation closely over the weekend and are on standby to deal with any problems.

Agencies are asking people living in areas which are prone to flooding to make sure they take the necessary precautions and are advising them to take care when driving, particularly those driving high sided vehicles. Members of the public are also being asked to take care when walking along the coast path or along piers and promenades, and by cliff edges during the strong winds. 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. Residents are also advised to check that their drains are clear of leaves and blockages.

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.

For further advice on preparing for flooding visit the environment agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or the Cornwall Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/flooding