Update on Cumbria road conditions

[M]ore roads in the county have been cleared and reopened and minimal snowfall is forecast over the weekend.

Low temperatures, high winds and snow flurries will continue, however these are forecast to diminish by tomorrow. Police, Mountain Rescue, Fire and Rescue, North West Ambulance Services, Councils and partner agencies will continue to work around the clock to keep Cumbria safe and moving.

Where police or partner agencies have been made aware of vulnerable groups or individuals with urgent need, coordinated multiagency approaches have been put in place to support those effected.

Communities’ cut-off by the adverse weather have been prioritised, as have vulnerable people. Medication, provisions and medical care have been provided to many individuals, homeless people have been provided with shelter and provisions and supplies have been delivered to Alston, Netherby and  Nenthead . Operations are in place to access further communities that have been identified as cut-off.

The public are requested to kindly continue to look after vulnerable people in their communities; if you are aware of an individual who is vulnerable, please check on them and support them, make sure they have the right medication and provisions. If they do require medications or care, please contact their care provider as soon as you are able. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Due to the adverse weather, especially the high winds, some communities have experienced power outages. Electricity North West have extensive resources deployed to get all communities back on grid as quickly as possible.

Although many roads are cleared and drivers are being advised they can drive with caution, the public are advised to avoid back roads and high roads where possible. The public should also be vigilant when driving in the dark where hazards will not be as visible. Drivers should always drive to the conditions in front of them.

There are still a number of roads in the north and east (and high roads) that are closed. Work will continue to clear closed roads as swiftly as possible, many roads are anticipated to open throughout the day.

Current road situations:

Superintendent Matt Kennerley said: “Thank you again to all our officers and partners who have together, been working around the clock, to keep the people of Cumbria safe.

“I also can’t thank the public enough for pulling together during these past days, we have seen true community spirit, and I hope people are able to keep up their kind support until we have seen the last of these adverse conditions.

“It is fantastic that many roads have reopened, but driver should still drive with care and to the condition they see in front of them.

“Finally, we have seen some truly selfless acts during these last few days, it’s at times like this, that you can truly see what an amazing community Cumbria is.”

If you are in need of police assistances contact 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Please do not call the police to check on road closures, please visit the traffic map for up-to-date information: www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map.

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.