Martin,

It's about as bad as it gets as far as the sea is concerned, the worst for
many years. The wind force is not that exceptional yet (at least for W
Cornwall) gusting 60-70mph in exposed spots.

I've just got back from Mousehole. It was half tide when I was there, and
the sea was at the normal high tide level. The waves were as large as I have
ever seen in Mount's Bay, and I was born in Penzance. They were hitting the
harbour wall, going about 100ft in the air, and pouring off the roofs of the
cottages on the far side of the harbour. There is no question that there
will be extensive flooding at high tide (17:20 here). The sea was within a
couple of feet of flooding the lower part of Newlyn at 15:30. It is the
first time for many years that such a low pressure has combined with a
severe gale SEasterly, and high spring tides.

I intend to go down to the sea-front with a camera in a few minutes, if the
police haven't shut the roads. Penzance prom will certainly be shut. There
is already sea-weed hanging from the guttering of some of the houses on the
prom.

I must say, that it has been very well forecast.

--
Graham
Penzance

Holiday Cottage www.easterling.freeserve.co.uk
Penzance Weather www.easterling.freeserve.co.uk/weather.html

"Martin Rowley" wrote in message
...

"Jon O'Rourke" wrote in message
...
Recent warnings issued for severe flooding :-
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...ime=1098879840


... I see high tide along the south Devon/south Cornwall coast is circa
1630-1800Z (5.30-7pm) and winds already full gale east or southeasterly -
any reports from down that way? In days gone by, we used to see pictures
on the TV news of the trains trying to negotiate the main line along
Dawlish Warren.

Martin.