A severe weather warning has been issued for Cumbria.
Storm Debi is set to hit the North West today, Monday November 13, with the potential to bring very strong and disruptive winds.
Barrow is seeing the harshest effects of the storm, with high winds and rain causing flooding on parts of Walney Island.
Westmorland and Furness Council said it was also receiving a high number of reports of debris and fallen trees across the area.
Latest road closure information
- CLOSED Torney Nook Lane, Walney Island – Road closed due to flooding between Biggar Bank Road and Seaview Riding School.
- CLOSED Cows Tarn Lane, Walney Island – Road closed due to flooding between Solway Drive and the side entrance to the caravan park.
- Barrow Town Hall – Masonry has fallen onto Duke Street and we have closed part of the pedestrianised area as a safety precaution.
- Walney Road Shopping Area – A large sign from a commercial premises has blown off an a cordon is in place on an area of the car park.
- A684 at Singleton Park, leaving Kendal.
- A65 at Gatebeck Road Junction
- B5343 at Chapel Stile
Ulverston household recycling centre closed early today due to the weather.
A tree fell into a wagon on the A6 near the Heversham Hotel earlier today. There were no injuries and the wagon and tree have been cleared from the road.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the coastal region of Cumbria from 10am to 4pm today, Monday November 13.
It said: “A spell of very strong westerly winds is expected to develop later Monday morning across North West England in association with Storm Debi. Inland gusts of 60mph to 65 mph are likely in places whilst along the coast gusts of 70mph to 80 mph are expected. Winds will gradually ease into the evening.”
An amber warning is issued when there is a potential risk to life and property.
A yellow weather warning remains in force for much of the rest of Cumbria.
The Met Office said: “While there is still some uncertainty in the exact track and depth of this low, there is a chance of very strong westerly winds developing along Irish Sea coasts of Wales and North West England on Monday morning before extending inland during day, slowly easing later.
“There is a chance of 60mph to 65mph gusts developing inland and 70mph to 80mph around coasts, and over some higher ground, such as the Pennines.
National Highways has issued a severe weather warning and has urged drivers to take care on the roads.
It said as well as the gales, occasional outbreaks of heavy rain exacerbating the difficult driving conditions.
Drivers of high sided vehicles, motorbikes and other vulnerable vehicles are advised to take extra care due to the risk of being blown over.
The winds across the south of Cheshire and north Cumbria will be strong with winds of 40mph to 50mph predicted. Winds will slowly ease from the west from mid-afternoon, but will remain strong in to the evening, it said.
Stephen Basterfield, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “Gales and high winds can happen all year round, but most often occur during storms, and are even more prevalent during the autumn and winter seasons and early spring.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.”
What to expect
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
Advice from Cumbria police
Cumbria police have issued advice for drivers following the weather warning.
The constabulary is advising motorists to take extra care on the county’s roads tomorrow.
Advice for road users includes:
- Please plan ahead for journeys tomorrow, allowing for extra time.
- Take extra care and, where possible, avoid exposed areas of the county where the wind could cause the most disruption.
- Drive slowly and with extra care and attention.
- Please give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual.
Officers are also asking drivers of high-sided vehicles to take particular care and to plan routes accordingly to the conditions.
The conditions may be particularly impactive during the rush-hour period in the morning and drivers are asked to take extra care and drive to the conditions.
Advice from councils
Westmorland and Furness Council has issued advice asking residents to travel with caution today.
The highways team have increased resources to respond to reports of storm issues and are already attending fallen trees, flooding and affected streetlights.
People are advised to:
- Avoid travel where possible or if required, travel with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
- Stay clear of coastal areas that are at risk of large waves and spray.
- Do not drive through flood water, take an alternative route.
- Secure any loose outdoor items like rubbish bins, trampolines and plant pots.
Highways emergencies such as a fallen tree or flooding should be reported on the council’s hotline on 0300 373 3306.
Flood alerts
There are five flood alerts in place.
They are:
- Coast at Barrow
- Coast at North Morecambe Bay
- Cost from Gretna to Silloth
- Coast from Silloth to St Bees
- Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill Beck
A flood warning which was in place for Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwentwater has been removed.
