Weather warning to come into force as Cornwall braces for Storm …

Strong winds are set to batter the county

Cornwall is preparing for the arrival of Storm Agnes, which is set to bringing damaging winds and big stormy seas.

The first named storm of the season is due to make landfall on the west coast of Ireland on Wednesday before its strong winds hit the UK closer to midday.

A Met Office yellow warning for wind will come into force across the Duchy from 12.00pm today (Wednesday 27 September) until 7.00am tomorrow morning (Thursday 28 September).

Storm Agnes, which was described as "intensifying quickly" in the Atlantic during Tuesday evening, is expected to generate winds of up to 75mph and cause dangerous conditions along coastlines.

Dan Stroud from the Exeter-based Met Office said: "Coastal areas of Cornwall, Devon and North Somerset are likely to see the strongest gusts. Anywhere bordering these are likely to see gusts of 45mph - 60mph and 50mph - 65mph around some hills - so some pretty strong conditions.

"Even stepping well in land it's still going to be very windy with gusts of 35mph - 40mph, even across parts of South Devon, South Somerset and parts of Dorset, so windy right the way across the board."

What to expect

• Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
• Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
• Some power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges are likely to close
• There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life that could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, with a chance of some minor flooding of coastal roads

The RNLI is urging the public to stay safe ahead of Storm Agnes. Henry Irvine, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead in the South West said:

"The conditions forecast for the next few days pose significant risk to those visiting the coast.

"We strongly advise that you do not go in the water. The risk of rip currents will be heightened by the strong winds and big swell.

"Be aware of your surroundings whilst walking on the beach, the conditions increase the likelihood of tidal surges that could sweep you out to sea.

"If you see anyone in difficulty along the coast, never attempt a rescue yourself as you could also end up in difficulty. Always remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

The following Cornish beaches are being patrolled daily by RNLI lifeguards (between 10.00am-6.00pm) until 6.00pm on Sunday 29 October; Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen.

Woolacombe in Devon is being patrolled every day until 6.00pm on Sunday 1 October, then it will operate a weekend-only lifeguard patrol. It will return to daily lifeguard patrols during the October half-term holiday (21-29 October).

Bantham, Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Gwithian, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Croyde, Summerleaze and Le Braye (Jersey), are being patrolled only on the weekends until 21 October. They will then be patrolled every day until 29 September for the duration of the half term holiday.

The RNLI advice is:

• Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
• Take a phone with you
• In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

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References

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