With the Met Office forecasting that Storm Doris will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Cornwall later today and during tomorrow, 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 the wettest weather to move across Cornwall later today, with the highest winds expected on Friday. 

There is a Met Office weather warning in place for Friday with the risk of high winds across coasts and hills and large waves along southern coasts. 

Between 10mm and 40mm of rain are expected to fall on parts of Cornwall on Thursday, with Gale Force 8 winds expected early to mid afternoon, before the wind slowly eases by early evening. 

There are two peaks of strong winds expected on Friday –the first arriving late morning to mid-afternoon, followed by the second peak during mid-afternoon to early evening.

The winds will be at their strongest across the Isles of Scilly and the southern coasts of Cornwall, and around hills during these peaks, ranging from Gale Force 8 up to Gale Force 9 on occasions, with gusts of between 50-65mph and possibly up to 70mph.  These winds may cause some travel disruption and there is a risk of damage to trees and potential disruption to power supplies, as well as the risk of injury from flying debris such as bins, fences, trampolines and temporary structures.

The strong winds are likely to be accompanied by large waves, especially around the Isles of Scilly, and the southern coasts of Cornwall.

’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 homes and communities.  

’We would also ask people to avoid walking along the coast path and by cliff edges during the strong winds unless absolutely necessary.’ 

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

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