Cormac will be carrying out salting on Cornwall’s road network this evening, however with not every road treated drivers have been warned to take care as the frigid wild weather hits.

The latest information from the Met Office and the Environment Agency is for the weather to turn colder during Tuesday afternoon, with wintry showers, possibly mixed with thunder and lightning, likely to affect some parts of the South West. 

During Tuesday evening and overnight into Wednesday there is the potential for a covering of snow in some areas with perhaps up to 5cm in places.  Although the wintry showers are expected to mainly affect Exmoor and North Devon, there is the chance of some wintry showers, including hail, to fall across parts of Cornwall.

There is also the chance of icy roads causing difficult driving conditions during this period.

A period of wet and windy weather is then expected to sweep across the South West, including Cornwall, from early Wednesday afternoon until the early hours of Thursday morning. 

 The rain will be sufficiently heavy to cause localised flooding on some roads, with south-westerly winds expected to gust to between 55 and 65 mph in many areas and nearer 75 mph on exposed coasts and hills.  This could cause damage to trees, and potential disruption to power supplies as well as creating difficult driving conditions.  

“Although CORMAC staff will be salting the major roads this evening, we are advising members of the public to drive according the prevailing conditions and not to take unnecessary risks” said Geoff  Brown, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities.  

“We would also ask people to take care when driving during the heavy rain expected during Wednesday and Thursday, and if walking along the coast path and by cliff edges during the strong winds.  While we recognise the fascination of watching the large waves people can put themselves in danger by standing too close to quay sides and harbours”.

All the agencies are monitoring the situation closely and are on standby to act if the situation deteriorates.  

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.

For further advice on preparing for flooding is available on the Cornwall Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/flooding