January Storms 2026

Wow, we are getting battered at the minute here in Cornwall! Raging winter storms seem to be lining up out in the Atlantic, one by one smashing into Cornwall bringing with them pelting rain, wild winds, and mountainous swells.

The first, and biggest, was Storm Goretti on 8^th January. Jenna, Eleanor and I were actually away – Jenna and Eleanor were up with her folks in Woolacombe, and I was in Exeter at the Ussher Society Conference. There it just seemed like a wet and windy evening.

Back home though, there was carnage. Thousands of trees came down, crushing cars, shrouding houses, and taking down powerlines. Entire roofs were literally ripped off buildings. Thousands were left without power and water. I’m not sure whether I was happy to be missing it, or worried I wasn’t there to deal with any issues that may have arisen.

Amazingly, and very lucky, all we had in terms of damage was garden furniture strewn about the garden, and a broken watering can nozzle! Our poor neighbours in Lelant did suffer quite a lot of damage though, and it took several days for the power to come back on.

At Geevor we were also very fortunate. A lot of us expected extensive damage of the aging buildings that may have impacted access and even closed the site. Incredibly though damage was relatively minimal and the site remains open. Several holes have opened up in places, especially around the mill which has shortened the tour a little (you can still access all the best bits though!). Hopefully these can get patched up soon so we can reopen the whole lot in time for the season.

Since Goretti there have been two more named storms – Ingrid and Chandra. Whilst not as forceful, they have still caused widespread disruption through damage to properties and infrastructure, and flooding. Huge swells pounding the coast will undoubtedly have caused erosion which impact access to some places, as well as covering (and hopefully uncovering) geological outcrop. Once the weather improves a bit I will definitely be out to check what is what and how it may affect the Geowalks.

Speaking of Geowalks – in spite of the challenging conditions I still have Geowalks in the diary. You can find out what is available on the website (https://www.cornwallgeologist.co.uk/guided-walks).

Whilst I do take safety very seriously and will postpone or cancel a walk in light of a weather warning or professional advice, standard winter winds and rain are no reason not to get outside and discover all about Cornwall’s Geology! I urge you to don your waterproofs and thermals and join me on one of them soon! You may even get some beautiful winter sunshine.

Plus, Jenna spotted the first snowdrop flowering today. Spring is coming!