Cornwall is bracing against the full fury of Storm Goretti, a tempest unleashing winds reaching up to 100mph in some areas. The Met Office has issued a rare red warning, signaling an exceptionally dangerous weather event unfolding across the region.
Already, gusts of 67mph have been recorded, and exposed coastal locations are facing the brunt of the storm’s power. The air is thick with the sound of howling winds, a relentless force reshaping the landscape.
Despite the conditions, life persists. At one brewery, a surprising scene unfolds – around twenty-five patrons have ventured out, seeking refuge and a pint amidst the chaos. Open mic night preparations continue, the music a defiant counterpoint to the storm’s roar.
James Kitto, a primary school teacher, witnessed the ocean’s raw power in Porthleven. Massive waves crashed against the port, a breathtaking and intimidating display. Schools closed early, sending children home before the storm truly intensified.
“It’s getting pretty wild out there,” Kitto reported, describing waves of immense size. He recounted receiving concerned calls from family and friends, urging caution. The sheer force of the wind prompted a simple, urgent plea: “Stay indoors, stay safe.”
The potential for danger is real. Kitto wryly noted the absurdity of being injured by a flying wheelie bin, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such extreme weather. He remembers storms of the past, recalling how timber beams protecting the harbor were once shattered like kindling.
Coastal businesses are shutting down, succumbing to the storm’s relentless assault. The Ship Inn, a local pub, has closed its doors, with reports of waves reaching a staggering hundred feet offshore. Communication is disrupted, phone masts downed, leaving the community isolated.
The Square at Portleven restaurant also closed, staff sent home as tables and chairs were swept away by the gale. While hoping to reopen tomorrow, uncertainty hangs heavy in the air, dependent on the storm’s eventual path and intensity.
For now, Cornwall hunkers down, a region accustomed to powerful storms but facing one of the most severe in years. The wind continues to escalate, a constant, ominous presence, and the message is clear: seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.
The storm’s impact is a visceral reminder of nature’s untamed power, a force that demands respect and compels a temporary retreat from the wild beauty of the Cornish coast.
