[T]he weather is set to stay severe for at least the next 48 hours, with strong winds and freezing temperatures adding to the hazardous conditions.
People are advised not to drive unless absolutely necessary as the second day of heavy snowfall impacts much of the county, making driving conditions dangerous on many roads and impossible on some.
The road closures that are currently in place are at:
- A686 Hartside: Melmerby to Alston
- A592 Kirkstone Pass: full closure
- U4046 and C4028, Corney Fell Road: A595 Waberthwaite to A595 Duddon Bridge
- Cold Fell: full closure
- Birker Fell: full closure
- Hardknott Pass: full closure
- Newlands Pass: full closure
- Honister Pass: full closure
- Steel Brow, Friizington: full closure
- Dearham to Croby Road: temporary full closure
The heavy snowfall has caused major disruption, partner agencies and the police have, and will continue to, work into tomorrow to keep Cumbria safe and protect vulnerable people. This includes support and shelter being given to the homeless, and rural communities like Alston being provided support and supplies from emergency services and partner agencies whilst connecting roads remain closed.
The public are being asked to be vigilant and keep up a community spirit: contact vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives and make sure they have the correct medication, heating and supplies. If there may be a problem, contact their care provider as soon as you are aware so timely provisions can be put in place.
Superintendent Mark Pannone, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “This is not the normal snowfall Cumbria sees most years, it is making condition treacherous and I ask you not to drive unless your health, or the health of someone else, would suffer if you didn’t. We rarely say don’t drive and we hope that on this occasion people will take heed. The North and East of the county are currently worst hit, but the next 24 hours will be bad across the County.
“Over the last 48 hours the Police, Mountain Rescue, Fire and Rescue, Councils and other partner agencies have been out working to keep the public safe. We have been dealing with a high level of weather related incidents including numerous road traffic collisions, many roads are hazardous, and so I state again, please do not drive unless you absolutely have to.
“This adverse weather is set to be with us for at least the next 48 hours and so I thank the people of Cumbria for their ongoing support, for sticking together and for showing community spirit.”
Keep up-to-date with the weather at www.metoffice.gov.uk.
To keep up-to-date with roads that are being gritted please visit Cumbria County Council on www.cumbria.gov.uk or follow @Cumbriagritters.
Keep up to date with the latest situation on the roads at www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map.
