Cumbrian agencies working together to combat Storm Isha have asked people to keep following advice to stay safe as the county prepares for more bad weather.
On Sunday, Cumbria declared itself on standby for a major incident following an amber weather warning coming into effect for the entire county and the impacts of this storm are still being felt with high winds still being felt across the county today.
Agencies are still working together to support any residents, communities and businesses affected by the weather including dealing with power outages, damage to our roads, fallen trees and flood warnings.
Storm Isha has led to:
- Winds of over 80mph at Shap – with many areas in Cumbria getting winds of 70mph
- Road and rail disruption
- Power outages
- Disruption to roads and closures of some routes
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Constabulary, is chairing the Local Resilience Forum response.
He said: “This storm has had a significant impact on Cumbria, with numerous reports of highway disruption, people without power and issues with flooding. While the amber alert has passed and we appear to be through the worst, our multi-agency status of being on standby for a major incident remains.
“The public can be reassured that our multi-agency response has been running for several days in preparation for this and all agencies continue to work together to protect our communities. But people should be aware a further yellow warning of wind is in place for tomorrow afternoon, running on into Wednesday afternoon.
“While this is not as serious as the warning issued yesterday we remain concerned about this coming so soon after the previous alert, with recovery work still underway and issues such as trees already weakened.
“Our advice remains the same over the next few days – we would ask people to prepare and follow the guidance being given in the media and on social media to minimise the ongoing impact.
“Please make yourselves aware of the key contacts and ensure any vulnerable people within our communities are also aware and prepared.
We would ask people to check on any vulnerable friends, family and neighbours following last night’s events and over the coming days to make sure they are safe and well, or if they need any assistance.
“Storm Isha is now moving on but attention is now shifting to the next weather system coming in, Storm Jocelyn.”
People are asked to:
- Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
- Speak to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
- Stay away from the fells well in advance of the affected times to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
- Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the affected times.
- Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
- Be aware of the latest weather warnings and avoid planning travel during this time if possible.
- If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
- Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.
Extra information
Waste and recycling services
Following the weekend’s storms a number of roads have been affected by flooding and fallen trees. People are warned this may cause disruption to scheduled waste and recycling collections for the next couple of days.
Electricity North West
The firm is working with local resilience forums and with local catering outlets to help provide food to those most impacted and it will be updated on its Storm Isha webpage.
At the moment food is avaliable at:
- Food van – Plumbland Village Hall School Lane, Wigton CA7 2DQ.
- White Hart Pub – Wear Bridge, Bouth, Ulverston, LA12 8JB.
- Superior Catering – Kirby Thore Parish Memorial Hall Kirby Thore CA10 1XN.
The Lowther Arms at Mawbray is offering free tea and coffee, wi-fi and warmth – shower facilities are also available.
Environment Agency
Jim Ratcliffe Area Duty Manager for the Environment Agency said: “Whilst we are seeing an improving picture for the rain forecast today, we are expecting further rain tomorrow which could bring a risk of flooding across Cumbria.
“Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
Trading Standards
People are urged to be wary of traders offering to repair Storm Isha damage.
People should not accept work from cold callers on the doorstep.
Trading Standards said always:
- Get a quote in writing
- Check reviews / word of mouth
- -Say no to cold callers
- Report cold callers on 0808 223 1133
Primary Care in North Cumbria
Currently there is only one surgery without power (Appleby) and they have advised their patients directly. The pharmacy at Silloth is unable to dispense medication as they do not have a pharmacist because of the adverse weather, they have already advised patients of their nearest alternative pharmacies.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust
Community nursing and therapy teams are working with partners to make sure that we reach patients who need to be seen. It is having difficulties accessing some areas due to the weather but we are maintaining all essential visits with the support of partners including the fire service and Cumbria 4×4.
If you have not received a scheduled visit and are concerned contact 01946 853333 then select the option for your area. Do attend any NHS appointments that you have, where it is safe to do so, and if you are not able to attend please call the service to reschedule.
NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated board
A spokesperson for the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “We are aware that some GP practices across North Cumbria have been affected by power and phone line outages. We are working with partners to ensure all primary care services are fully back up and running as soon as possible, however, people should expect there to be some disruption and delays.
“If you do need medical care and it’s not life-threatening, visit NHS 111 online first or phone 111. Only phone 999 for an ambulance or attend A&E for life-threatening conditions or injuries only.”
