This morning (November 17) flood waters cut through Cornwall forcing the Environment Agency to announce ten flood warnings and 15 flood watches.

Following heavy rainfall overnight, parts of mid and north Cornwall have been affected by serious flooding.

St Austell and St Blazey are currently impassable and people have been trapped in their cars and homes.

The coastguard and search and rescue helicopters were deployed throughout last night, but have since been stood down.

While many hundreds of people have been reported either trapped in their homes of cars at this moment, there are no known casualties.

Police have declared the flooding as a ‘major incident’ and are working together with Cornwall Fire and Rescue and local authorities, including the council and Environmental Agency to deal with the effects of the severe weather.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “The rain has now stopped but there is still very deep flood water in certain areas.

“Many roads have been affected and people are advised not to undertake any journeys through flooded areas.”

He added the forecast for the next two days was for light rain and sunshine, indicating the floods should subside in the coming days.

Luke Walsh

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