Newquay wakes up to widespread damage after Storm Goretti batters Cornwall

Friday, 9 January 2026 06:48

Newquay is waking up to significant damage this morning after Storm Goretti swept through Cornwall, bringing exceptionally strong winds and causing disruption across the town and across the Duchy.

Keep up to date with the latest essential information on our live blog here.

Along The Narrowcliff, wooden hoardings were ripped from buildings at Hotel Bristol, scattering debris across the road and pavement. The area became impassable for a time as a result of the damage.

One eyewitness told Radio Newquay that Cliff Road was heavily impacted, with buildings damaged and Aldi supermarket trolleys blown across the road, some ending up tipped on their side outside Burger King.

At Watergate Bay Hotel, the large temporary structure housing the seasonal ice rink was torn apart by the force of the winds.

Extreme wind speeds recorded

Storm Goretti brought extreme wind speeds across Cornwall. A gust of 123mph was recorded near Padstow, while the Kernow Weather Team (KWT) weather station in West Cornwall measured a gust of 98mph. The Newquay Weather Station recorded a gust of 78mph.

Kernow Weather Team said:

"There’s no getting away from it… Storm Goretti will go down as one for the Cornwall record books. In terms of wind impacts, it has surpassed Storm Eunice (February 2022), which was the last time we saw a Red Warning like this. This storm has been wider, fiercer, and more damaging in many locations."

Council warning and travel advice

Cornwall Council says it is dealing with a large number of incidents caused by Storm Goretti, including fallen trees, unsafe structures, and downed power lines.

The council is urging people to work from home this morning if possible.

A spokesperson said:

"Conditions remain dangerous.
Parents and carers are advised to check whether their school or education setting is open before leaving home.
Please stay safe, allow emergency services and highways teams to carry out urgent work, and only travel if your journey is absolutely necessary."

Roads blocked by fallen trees

Trees have come down across many roads in and around Newquay and mid-Cornwall.

A fallen tree was reported on the A3058 between Kestle Mill and Summercourt. At one point, a taxi driver from Newquay told Radio Newquay he was trapped between two fallen trees, adding that a team effort from members of the public eventually helped to clear a path.

Other reports include:

Debris in Quintrell Downs near The Two Clomes
Damaged traffic lights on Henver Road in Newquay
A fallen tree on the A3059 Rialton Road
A tree blocking the A39 St Columb Major Bypass, near Trekenning Roundabout
Trees down on the A3075 at Penhallow, on the Goonhavern side
Multiple trees blocking the A3075 through Goonhavern
Fallen trees on the A3059 near the Cornwall Air Ambulance HQ
A fallen tree outside Treloy Golf Club on the A3059

Power outages across Cornwall

Power cuts were reported across Newquay and wider Cornwall, with some properties still without electricity this morning.

The Goldings estate in Newquay was among the areas affected. At the height of the storm, more than 44,000 properties across Cornwall were without power.

School disruption

Several schools have delayed opening this morning due to storm damage and safety concerns. Read the latest on our live blog

Trenance Learning Academy has confirmed it will delay opening until 10am to allow time for safety checks following the severe weather. A tree came down at the front of the school, partially blocking Trenance Road.

Parents and carers are advised to check directly with their individual school for the latest information.

Rail disruption

Train services across Cornwall remain severely disrupted.

GWR said:

"There will be no services between Plymouth and Penzance, in either direction, until 12:00 at the earliest.
There will be no services between Par and Newquay, between Truro and Falmouth and between Plymouth and Gunnislake, until 15:00 at the earliest.
Do not attempt to travel on the routes listed above. Replacement road transport is not available."

Emergency services, highways teams, and utility crews continue to respond across the county as clean-up operations get underway.