As it swept in from the Atlantic last night, Storm Goretti, the first significant named storm of 2026, battered Cornwall and the South West of England with strong winds, a lot of rain, and widespread disruption to communities. Coastal areas were among the most severely impacted, with strong gusts and choppy waters creating dangerous conditions along harbours and seafronts. Penzance, Saint Ives, and Newquay residents reported an unrelenting night of wind and rain, with some claiming that the storm’s force made buildings tremble. Large waves were seen smashing over sea walls, prompting the closure of several promenades and coastal pathways. Fallen trees and other debris blocked many of Cornwall’s roads, rendering some of them impassable. Drivers were urged not to make unnecessary trips while highway crews worked through the night to remove obstacles. Due to flooding and fallen branches, emergency services had to navigate dangerous conditions in order to reach those in need in rural areas. Power outages that left homes without electricity for several hours were reported in many South West communities. Engineers worked through the night to restore supplies while residents were advised to keep their torches and cell phones charged. In certain areas, the weather also resulted in a brief loss of phone service. Over the course of the night, emergency services confirmed that they responded to numerous callouts, including reports of flooded properties, vehicles stuck by fallen trees, and building damage. Fire and rescue workers assisted in pumping water from affected homes and removing hazards from public areas. Police advised people to stay away from coastal areas and to travel only when absolutely necessary.
Public transport was also affected, as proven by reports of delays and cancellations on specific bus and rail services. It was advised that travellers give themselves more time and check before leaving. Some local services and schools announced late openings or closures this morning due to the storm. Some parts of the region continued to experience windy conditions and heavy showers, but by early morning, the strongest winds had begun to decrease. Volunteers and council staff started clearing debris and assessing the damage at first light. Residents were asked to check on their neighbours, particularly the elderly or vulnerable, and report any hazards. Storm Goretti’s arrival has caused disruption and cleanup efforts for many in Cornwall and the South West today. Although no serious injuries have been reported, the storm’s effects are expected to be felt for several days as communities try to recover.