Cornwall Council Issues Safety Advice as Amber Wind Warning Takes Hold

Cornwall Council has issued safety advice as an amber wind warning comes into force with Storm Goretti expected to hit the county from Thursday afternoon.

According to the latest forecast from the Met Office, strong winds are due to reach Cornwall from 3pm today, increasing in strength from around 4pm. Gusts of up to 100mph are possible in exposed areas, with severe conditions expected to continue overnight and into Friday morning.

Risks Expected Across Cornwall

The weather warning highlights the risk of large waves, coastal debris, power cuts, damage to buildings and widespread travel disruption. Cornwall Council is urging people to take the situation seriously and avoid unnecessary risks.

Residents are being advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary and to avoid wave watching, as this could put both themselves and emergency services in danger. Anyone who sees a person in trouble along the coast is asked to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Travel disruption is expected, with possible cancellations to buses, trains, flights and ferries.

Advice for Homes and Rubbish Collections

People are also being asked to secure loose items around their homes, including trampolines and bins, to reduce the risk of damage or injury.

If rubbish or recycling is due to be collected on Friday morning, households are advised to put it out first thing rather than leaving it outside overnight.

Weather warnings can change, so residents are encouraged to keep up to date with local news and the Met Office warnings and advice pages.

Schools Asked to Close Early

Schools and education settings across Cornwall are advised to close by 2pm today as the storm approaches. An amber wind warning remains in place, with the potential for very strong gusts.

If a school decides to close early, parents and carers are being asked to liaise with transport providers to ensure suitable arrangements are made.

Who to Contact in an Emergency

For emergencies involving the police, fire service or medical care, call 999.
For non emergency police matters, call 101.
For urgent but non life threatening health advice, use NHS 111 when GP surgeries are closed. This can be accessed via the NHS 111 website or by calling 111.

If someone is in trouble on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Utilities and Other Support

For gas emergencies, including the smell of gas, contact Wales and West on 0800 111 999.
To report a water leak, South West Water’s leak reporting hotline is available on 0800 230 0561.
Power cuts can be reported to National Grid by calling 105 or 0800 6783 105.

Social care emergencies relating to safeguarding adults or children can be reported on 0300 1231 116.

Urgent or hazardous highways issues, including flooding or drainage problems on public roads, should be reported on 0300 1234 222. The Environment Agency Floodline offers 24 hour advice on 0345 988 1188.

Cornwall Housing tenants needing emergency repairs can call 0300 1234 161 where there is a serious threat to health and safety, major structural damage or prolonged loss of essential services.

Waste collection and street cleaning issues can be reported on 0300 1234 141, but only where there is a potential risk of harm.

Residents are being reminded to only report urgent issues as emergency services prepare for what could be a challenging period of weather across Cornwall.