Coastal towns in south-west England have been left flooded after being hit by strong winds, large waves and a high tide. The Environment Agency earlier warned of extreme danger on the Cornish coast and issued a severe flood warning. In Sussex, a 67-year-old woman has died after she was carried out to sea by strong currents on Saturday. On the Somerset Levels, police say flood-hit villages are being targeted by thieves.
About 600 gallons of domestic heating oil was reported stolen from a farm in the Somerset village of Moorland and two fire service quad bikes were taken from nearby Burrowbridge. Places flooded in Cornwall include Looe, Fowey, Newlyn, Porthleven and Mevagissey. Devonport in Plymouth and Kingsbridge, Devon, are also flooded. In Gloucestershire, two severe flood warnings remain in place with the Environment Agency advising people to “be vigilant” as more rain is forecast. ‘Incredibly rough’ In Cornwall, Geoff Penhaligon, harbourmaster in Looe, said: “There is lots of water in the main street and behind the market it is too deep for a car. “Water is just pouring from the sea into the main street.” Dale Clark, harbourmaster on the Isles of Scilly, said there had been flooding of some properties. BBC reporter Johnny O’Shea said the sea off Penzance was “incredibly rough, crashing along the sea wall”. Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for homes and communities, said: “There’s been flooding in Mevagissey, the main road in Fowey and the seafront is closed in Penzance because of the concern of debris being thrown by waves on to the road. “High water has now passed, so we’re hoping the water will recede shortly. “Clearly there’s a severe amount of coastal damage and we need a clear weather window to start repairs.”
Paul Thomas, harbourmaster in Fowey, said he was “splashing around” in flood water in his office. “I think the properties that regularly flood in Fowey would have had it worse this time. “There’s only so much you can do – sandbags, storm guards and just lift your valuables off the ground – that’s just the nature of living on the coast,” he said. Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for homes and communities, said: “There’s been flooding in Mevagissey, the main road in Fowey and the seafront is closed in Penzance because of the concern of debris being thrown by waves on to the road. “High water has now passed, so we’re hoping the water will recede shortly. “Clearly there’s a severe amount of coastal damage and we need a clear weather window to start repairs.” Paul Thomas, harbourmaster in Fowey, said he was “splashing around” in flood water in his office. “I think the properties that regularly flood in Fowey would have had it worse this time. “There’s only so much you can do – sandbags, storm guards and just lift your valuables off the ground – that’s just the nature of living on the coast,” he said. – BBC Environment
