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![]() ![]() Amber wind warning for FridayWith Storm Austen nearly here, the Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for Cornwall from 1am to 10am tomorrow (Friday) when gusts of more than 70mph are expected.Please:Do not travel unless absolutely necessaryDo not go wave watching – if you do, you’re putting yourself and others at unnecessary riskIf you see someone in trouble on the coast, call 999 and ask for the CoastguardExpect disruption to travel – buses, flights, trains, ferries may be cancelledProtect your property and secure loose items in your garden such as trampolines and binsIf your rubbish or recycling is due to be collected on Friday:Put it out early in the morning rather than overnight, and only if it’s safeMake sure everything is secure so that it doesn’t blow away in the strong windsBear with us tomorrow – collection times may vary but we’ll do our best to get to you.Check our social media in case we need to update youWeather warnings can change, so please keep up to date with your local news channel. Full details can be found on the warnings and advice pages of the Met Office website.Follow our social media channels for important updates on Facebook and X, Alternatively tune in to BBC Radio Cornwall online or on FM 95.2 MHz (East Cornwall) FM: 103.9 MHz (West Cornwall) DAB: 11B.Keep up to date ![]() Being prepared for emergenciesWhat would you need if the power went out tomorrow?With the first storm of the season arriving, it’s worth putting together a few essentials now, just in case severe weather causes disruption. Jamie from our Emergency Management team shows what to include in an emergency kit, from a torch and wind-up radio to food, water and supplies for your family and pets. Every household is different, so tailor your kit to your needs, including babies, pets and anyone who needs medication or other essentials. If you can’t cook without electricity, make sure you have food that’s ready to eat. A little preparation now can make a big difference if you need it.Watch the video ![]() How to report a power cutDuring the storm, power lines and equipment could be damaged, leaving homes without electricity.Charge your phone, power banks and any essential medical equipment before the storm arrives. Keep a battery-powered torch and wind-up radio handy, and check in with neighbours, friends or family who may need extra support. If your power goes off, you can report it 24 hours a day by calling 105 or 0800 6783 105. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, dial 18001 before either number to use Text Relay.Prepare for a power cut ![]() Join the Priority Services registerIf you have a disability, long-term health condition, rely on medical equipment, are pregnant, have young children, or are of pensionable age, you may be eligible for free extra support from your gas, electricity and water suppliers through the Priority Services Register (PSR).The register can provide additional help during power or water outages, accessible communications, and other practical support when you need it most.Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. If you think you, a family member or neighbour could benefit, visit the Priority Services Register website to find out more and register with your utility providers.You can also register directly for water-related support through the South West Water Priority Services application form.Don’t wait for an emergency. Check your eligibility and sign up today.Find out more![]() Check for school closuresStorm Austen could lead to school closures at short notice.Parents and carers are advised to check messages from their child’s school or the school’s website for the latest information before travelling.Our website will also be updated as further details are confirmedCheck for closures![]() Where to get help, or report an issueFor the police, fire service or medical emergencies, call 999. For non-emergencies, call the police on 101.Use NHS 111 if you need urgent but not life-threatening health advice, or when your GP surgery is closed, and you cannot wait until it re-opens. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111If you see someone in trouble on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.UtilitiesFor gas, water and electrical emergencies: Wales and West – if you smell gas, phone 0800 111 999South West Water – to report a water leak, phone the leak reporting hotline on 0800 230 0561Social care emergenciesSafeguarding Adults and Children – 0300 1231 116Highways emergenciesReport urgent or hazardous issues – 0300 1234 222Report flooding or drainage issues on public roads by phoning 0300 1234 222Environment Agency Floodline – 24-hour advice – 0345 988 1188![]() Be aware around trees during the stormStrong winds can bring down trees and branches without warning.Please avoid parks, woodlands and other tree-covered areas during unsettled weather. Fallen trees, hidden hazards and unstable ground can also make paths dangerous.If you must pass through a wooded area, keep clear of damaged trees and don’t stop beneath tree canopies.Report fallen trees ![]() Be safe around the seaWith extremely strong winds expected, please stay well away from the coast and water’s edge.Large waves can knock you off your feet and sweep you out to sea in seconds. Follow the RNLI’s advice and stay out of the water.If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Follow the latest advice from the RNLI.Check the RNLI advice![]() Be flood awarePlease stay alert to the risk of flooding.If your property is at risk, put flood protection measures in place now and be ready to act if conditions worsen.Take extra care on the roads and never drive through floodwater. Just 30cm (one foot) of water can be enough to float a car.Stay informed and check the latest weather and flood warnings:Advice on what to do in a flood Stay informed with Met Office weather alerts Sign up for flood warnings ![]() Train delays expectedAhead of the expected weather, GWR have issued advanced warning of delays.Strong winds increase the risk of trees and other debris falling onto the railway, so lower speed limits will be in place across routes in Devon and Cornwall from the start of service until 1300 on FridayThis means fewer trains will run, with the following changes planned:Long-distance services will run between London Paddington and Plymouth only, with local shuttle services operating between Plymouth and Penzance.Tonight’s (Thursday) Sleeper service from London Paddington will terminate at Plymouth.Some early-morning services will be cancelled so that teams can assess any storm damage in full daylight.Trains that do run are expected to be busier, and some journeys will take longer than usual. Other services in the region may also change as we respond to conditions and work to minimise the impact of the stormPlease check before you travel.Check your travel![]() |
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