Rain warning issued ahead of Storm Pedro

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 14:57

A named storm is set to bring heavy rain to Cornwall from Wednesday into Thursday, with weather warnings in place.

Météo France has named the system Storm Pedro, and forecasters say it will track close enough to the UK to bring a spell of persistent and, at times, heavy rain.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings covering Wednesday afternoon through to Thursday morning, with the bulk of the rain expected to arrive later on Wednesday and continue overnight.

While the storm is not expected to bring extreme winds to Cornwall, it is forecast to be a "significant rain-maker."

Kernow Weather Team (KWT) says rainfall totals could be significant, with 10–20mm forecast across much of Cornwall. Amounts of 20–30mm are possible near the south coast, with locally higher totals of 40–50mm over higher ground, including Bodmin Moor and other upland areas. It says this could lead to rising stream levels, water collecting in low-lying areas and difficult driving conditions due to surface water and spray.

Dave Clark from KWT says: “The heaviest rain looks most likely from mid-afternoon Wednesday, pushing through into the evening rush hour and continuing overnight into early Thursday. That’s when impacts are most likely, particularly on already saturated ground. After weeks of unsettled conditions, soils don’t have much capacity left to absorb more water, so it won’t take extraordinary rainfall rates to see localised issues.”

Forecasters say winds are not currently expected to be the main feature of Storm Pedro in Cornwall, although blustery conditions are likely, particularly along exposed coasts.

Drivers are being advised to allow extra time for journeys on Wednesday afternoon and evening, with surface water and spray likely to reduce visibility on main routes including the A30.

The warning period runs into Thursday morning, with conditions expected to gradually ease later in the day.

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