Storm Floris is set to arrive in Cumbria today, potentially bringing with it strong and disruptive winds.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for today, Monday August 4.
It said Storm Floris was likely to bring a spell of unseasonably strong and potentially disruptive winds to the North from 6am to midnight.
The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain. Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later.
Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40mph to 50mph with 60mph to 70mph possible along exposed coasts and high ground, especially Scotland.
During the height of the storm, winds over parts of Scotland will be even higher and it is covered by a separate amber warning.
What should I expect?
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- 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
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
Train travel
TransPennine Express has issued do not travel advice for today. Services will not operate between Carlisle and Glasgow Central or Edinburgh as well as between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
There may also be delays on services between Liverpool Lime Street and Carlisle and Manchester Airport and Carlisle.
Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TPE, said: “Storm Floris will cause widespread disruption across the network, affecting all operators in the region.
“As such, we are advising passengers not to travel and to consider whether their journey is necessary.
“Customers who have already bought tickets for travel on Monday can use those tickets on services on Tuesday.
“Alternatively, if customers are unable to travel, they can apply for refunds from their point of purchase.”
Avanti West Coast is advising passengers not to travel north of Preston.
Tickets to travel north of Preston dated August 4 will be accepted for travel today, Sunday August 3 or Tuesday August 5, at any time via the same route.
Northern said all trains were cancelled between Carlisle and Newcastle and Preston and Lancaster.
Services on the following routes have a speed restriction in place:
- Carlisle – Workington
- Barrow – Sellafield
- Barrow – Lancaster
Roads
National Highways has advised drivers of high sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and other vulnerable vehicles to take care.
Drivers are advised to take extra caution, particularly on exposed routes when travelling. There may be the potential for some standing water and reduced visibility, so people should allow extra time for your journey.
Power cuts
Electricity North West is reporting the following power cuts in Cumbria:
- Skelton, Eden – 22 properties affected, estimated time of restoration 5.04pm
- Belah & Kingmoor, Carlisle – 15 properties affected, estimated time of restoration 6pm
- Dent – 30 properties affected, estimated time of restoration 4pm
- Wetheral, Carlisle – 120 properties affected, estimated time of restoration 4pm
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Forest is closed due to the high winds. The closure also applies to Cyclewise Cafe Ambio, Whinlatter Forest and Go Ape Whinlatter.
Forestry England said: “Forests and woodlands can be dangerous places to be during and after a storm and we’re asking you to postpone your visit until it’s safe, both for your own safety but also our staff and the emergency services.
“Our team will be on the ground on Tuesday, August 5, to inspect the forest for storm damage and we will reopen as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
Windermere Ferry
Services are cancelled today over concerns at the safety of the ferry landing.
Westmorland and Furness Council has apologised for the inconvenience and said further updates will be issued.
Passengers are being urged to follow a diversion via the A591 to Ambleside then onto B5286 to Hawkshead.
Flood alerts
A flood alert – meaning flooding is possible and people should be prepared – is in place in Cumbria.
The alert is for the rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster.
Following heavy rainfall due to Storm Floris this morning, rivers are starting to rise. Rivers should peak late morning into this afternoon.
Flood alert area: Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster and other watercourses, from Grasmere to Grange-over-Sands including low lying areas around Ambleside, Skelwith Bridge, Windermere, Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Cark and Cartmel.
Kendal Calling
Thousands of people are expected to leave music festival Kendal Calling today.
Some festival-goers were packing up early at the site, near Penrith, yesterday to try and beat the storm.
Organisers said they were expecting high winds from 10am today. Support vehicles are available from 7am today.
