[H]eavy rain, strong winds and high tides are expected in Cumbria and Lancashire today, and the Environment agency is asking the public to be flood and weather aware.
Environment Agency Manager, Jeremy Westgarth said: “We are preparing for the heavy band of rain and strong winds combined with high tides along the Cumbria and Lancashire coast until Thursday (4 January).
“The peak tide will be at midnight tonight, and we have had our teams out clear grids and gullies in preparation for the rain.
“We are monitoring the situation and have issued flood alert and warning in coastal areas.
“The risk is mainly to low lying and coastal properties, and forecast to be a similar event to that we saw in January 2014. If you are in areas affected by the flood warnings please be prepared and where necessary take action to protect property, friends and family.
“We advise the public to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades and not to put yourself in unnecessary danger trying to take “storm selfies.
“If you have to travel, check your route before setting off and please do not walk or drive through flood water – just 30cm can move a vehicle.”
Be flood ready. It is important that you are prepared for flooding and we encourage you to take 3 simple steps:-
Sign up to Flood Warning Service to receive free flood warnings
Know what to do when a flood warning is issued. We encourage you have a personal flood plan for you and your family
Keep an eye on the situation. You can view at 5 day weather forecast and monitor river levels online at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/ and www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/
Further information is available on our website www.gov.uk/flood or by ringing Floodline on 0345 988 1188
