People had to be evacuated from their homes and cars today as flash floods caused chaos in the south west.
Cornwall flash floods: In pictures
Heavy rain and torrential downpours crippled Cornwall and left swathes of the county completely cut off.
Helicopters were drafted in from RNAS Culdrose and RMB Chivenor as people had to be ferried to safety as up to three inches of rain deluged the region in the early hours of yesterday.
The Met Office and the Environment Agency issued severe weather warnings as up to 50mm of rain was expected to spark further floods.
Falmouth Coastguard rushed to the harbour at Portloe after a car was washed into the harbour by powerful torrents at around 6am.
The main train line into the region was also blocked after torrential rain caused a landslide on the tracks at Lostwithiel.
Drivers were forced to abandon their cars at the roadside as floodwater up to six feet deep were reported by drivers.
One of the worst affected areas was St Blazey, where residents were left trapped in their homes and roads were blocked.
Other affected areas include Bodmin, St Austell, Par, and Luxulyan.
Cornwall Council said fire crews have been deployed and police were advising motorists to drive with extreme caution.
Peter Tatlow from Cornwall Highway Services, said although a severe weather warning was issued by the Met Office on Tuesday, it was ”almost impossible” to keep gullies clear of leaves and debris at this time of year.
Ken Bazely, of Falmouth Coastguard, said: ”People were left in their cars and some had to be rescued from their homes after properties and roads were flooded.
”At the moment we’re doing everything we can to ensure roads are safe and no-one is trapped in their vehicle or property.
”Many roads are cut off and we would urge people not to attempt to travel.”
