A band of persistent and heavy rain and gale force winds are expected to affect Cumbria during Friday and through Saturday.
The rain will strengthen and weaken in its intensity over the two days with the possibility of the rain easing off for a time late Friday.
The forecast however indicates that the rain will not completely clear the County until the early hours of Sunday. This rain will be accompanied by strong (gale force near coasts) south-south-westerly winds.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Rivers are currently at normal levels for the time of year and whilst ground conditions are not saturated they are starting to wet up which could see the need for widespread flood alerts and a few flood warnings being issued from Friday onwards.
“For Coastal areas the storm will bring gales and a large surge along the north-west coast on Friday and on Saturday.
“The current forecast is that tide levels will remain just below tidal flood alert thresholds throughout this period, therefore very minimal flooding impacts are expected.”
Be flood ready
It is important that you are prepared for flooding, you are encouraged 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. Have a personal flood plan for you and your family
- Keep an eye on the situation. You can view a 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 www.gov.uk/flood or by ringing Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
