Cornwall Council has said that leaves and debris blocking drains were to blame for the flooding which hit Truro last night (Monday, October 7), writes Local Democracy Reporter Lee Trewhela.

Heavy rainfall hit the city from around 5.30pm causing significant flooding and traffic chaos, particularly around Trafalgar roundabout and the roads approaching it. Police closed roads in the area to prevent drivers getting stranded in deep water.

Footage was shared online showing deep water coursing through New Bridge Street, which has been hit by flooding in previous years.

The A39 at Morlaix Avenue was reported as barely passable due to the flooding, which dissipated almost as quickly as it arrived, with no sign of any surface water by 8pm.

The council has now said the flooding was exacerbated by debris and leaves covering drains – a problem which has affected Truro’s streets in the past.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “A short spell of unexpectedly high intensity rain led to surface water flooding at Trafalgar roundabout on Monday evening. The surface water carried debris and leaves to the lowest points of the road, covering some of the highway drains.

“Surface water drainage at this location was also impacted as the heavy rain struck near high tide. Cormac teams quickly attended the scene to clear the debris and leaves covering drains.”

It was reported last year that Cormac was starting the second phase of works to improve Trafalgar roundabout, which included excavations for water storage tanks which are designed to alleviate drainage issues in the area. The roundabout carries an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 vehicles each day.