THOUSANDS of residents along with businesses in the Newquay area have been left without power in the wake of Storm Darragh.

Around 3,500 homes experienced an electricity outage on Thursday night for about an hour including businesses in the town centre.

The Central Inn was affected and the Lighthouse Cinema had to cut screenings short. Refunds are being provided.

Elsewhere a high voltage incident on Trevemper Road left four homes without power on Wednesday, December 11 and a low voltage incident resulted in 36 properties at Treloggan Road being without power.

National Grid state sea salt crystals coating overhead powerlines in coastal and higher ground locations during Storm Darragh has caused power outages.

A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said: “Everyone who lost power in Cornwall due to Storm Darragh has now been reconnected as of 8pm last night. (Thursday, December 12)

"During Storm Darragh, strong winds at some coastal locations and higher ground led to sea salt crystals coating overhead lines.

“This is an unusual occurrence due to the exceptionally strong north-westerly winds experienced during the storm that pulled moisture from the sea.

“We would like to reassure customers we are aware of the issue and are taking action, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“This occurrence is not exclusive to the storm as such and can happen from time to time.”