Storms have hit coastal communities across the south Cornwall for the second day in succession. People were still cleaning up after Wednesday's high tides caused flooding when high winds and heavy rain returned to the area.

It was gales of up to 80mph which drove Wednesday evening's high tide over sea defences and into scores of homes particularly in Flushing. Some local people said it was the worst tidal flooding they had seen in 30 years.

In Flushing, Coventry Road was knee-deep in water and residents gathered in the village pubs to discuss the events before the tide receded and they were able to begin the clean up.

Firemen from Falmouth ferried residents in and out of their homes.

Alan Berryman of the Seven Stars pub the weather, which caused water to be knee-high in places, took many by surprise.

"It's been 30 years since it was last that height. Despite the forecasts, I don't think the majority of people thought it would be as bad as it was last night." At Swanpool hundreds of people had gathered to watch the high tide bringing in sand and debris across the road. Local beach cafes on a number of beaches were flooded and some partially destroyed.

The popular Pandora Inn near Mylor was completely surrounded by water and the only way in and out was by boat. The road between the Norway Inn and Devoran was closed because the river alongside burst its banks at high tide.

The Prince of Wales Pier in Falmouth was covered in water as was Market Strand. In Penryn, Commercial Road was flooded and motorists had to make a detour to avoid the rising tide.

Although there was a high tide the following morning the sea surge was not as high because of lighter winds.