Agencies across Cumbria have declared themselves on standby for a major incident ahead of heavy and persistent rainfall forecast across Cumbria.
There is also a yellow warning for rain covering the entire county in place between 6pm today and 6pm on Monday.
The current forecast is likely to lead to difficult driving conditions, wider travel disruption, possible power outages and potential flooding of homes and businesses.
People are asked to:
- Consider their travel plans, allowing extra time for journeys and to determine whether travel is necessary during adverse conditions. If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route, and listen to travel updates.
- Speak to vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
- 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 worst-affected times.
Rail passengers are urged not to travel today, Sunday, or tomorrow.
The A66 is closed in both directions to high-sided vehicles between Scotch Corner and Penrith due to high winds.
Road users travelling across the Pennines are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes such as the A69.
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Constabulary, is chairing the Local Resilience Forum response.
He said: “The public can be reassured that our multi-agency response to what may occur over the next few days is underway.
“Emergency services and other partners including the Environment Agency, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council are doing all they can to ensure our county is prepared for the potential impacts and ensure people are safe.
“At this early stage, we would ask people to ensure they are prepared should power outages occur and to check on vulnerable relatives, friends, or neighbours ahead of the peak of the prolonged heavy rainfall which is forecast.
“We are also encouraging people to consider their travel plans for the next few days and decide whether such plans are necessary as road conditions will be challenging.”
Andy Brown, Environment Agency area duty manager, said: “Heavy, persistent rainfall means significant river and surface water flooding impacts are probable in Cumbria from Saturday evening into Monday.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and will support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
“If you are flooded, call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services.”
Advice for Cumberland Council area
If you see any issues on the roads, please report them to the Cumberland Council Highways team at Report a problem with a street or road | Cumberland Council. Or call the Cumberland Council Highways Hotline on: 0300 373 3736.
You can also contact the council on 0300 373 3730 for help and support. This line is available 24 hours.
More information on travel advice and how to be winter ready can be found at: Weather ready | Cumberland Council.
Advice for the Westmorland and Furness area
If you have any highways concerns to report, the quickest and easiest way to do this is via the authority website at: Report street or road damage | Westmorland and Furness Council.
Flooding advice can be found here: Flooding support | Westmorland and Furness Council.
Winter Ready advice can be found here: We are winter ready, are you? | Westmorland and Furness Council.
Advice from United Utilities
For water supply issues, contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723.
Customers are advised that they can sign up to the Priority Service Register – which is a free to join and enables utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs.
For further details, visit: The PSR – The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity or gas supply – PSR.
For UU specific support visit: Priority Services – Support for Those in Need | United Utilities.
Advice from SP Electricity North West
SP Electricity North West offers extra support for those who need it through its Extra Care register. This could be for those who require electricity for medical needs, are older or have young children at home. For more information and to register call 105 or visit www.enwl.co.uk/ExtraCare.
For the latest information on power cuts, visit: SPENW Fault List.
