A multi-agency coordination group has been working today as partner agencies deal with the effects of surface water flooding in Cumbria.
Heavy rain overnight has led to substantial problems on some roads – mainly in the north and west of the county.
There have been reports of cars getting stuck in floodwater, causing additional problems by then blocking routes.
A small number of homes have also reported floodwater entering their properties.
Public agencies have met this morning and this afternoon and will continue to meet to ensure an effective response.
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 is well underway.
“Emergency services and other partners including the Environment Agency, National Highways, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have been responding through the night to calls for service with all agencies working together.
“The weather forecast suggests the worst of the rain has cleared in Cumbria but we do expect some impact to travel to continue.
“If you are travelling, please take care. If you do come across a flooded road, please do not attempt to travel through as you cannot be sure of the water’s depth.”
If you are experiencing any weather related issue, a list of partner agency contact details can be found here: Weather safety | Cumbria Police
Keep an eye on the latest flood updates on the Environment Agency’s website: Flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK.
You can also call their Floodline for advice - 0345 988 1188
Keep up-to-date with the weather at: Weather and climate change - Met Office
Advice for Cumberland Council area:
Cumberland Council's highways teams have been working throughout the night and into this morning, and have responded to over 200 calls so far.
They will continue to manage the impacts of the severe weather throughout the day to open roads as quickly as possible and as soon as it is safe to do so.
The council will be updating its social media throughout the day with the latest road and car park closure information.
Please do not drive through flood water and observe any road closed signs. This is not only for your own safety but also if your vehicle breaks down it can block access for other road users when the flooding subsides – including for emergency access.
The council asks that anyone who has broken down gets their vehicle moved as quickly as possible, especially on major routes such as the A595/6, so that it doesn’t delay the reopening of these roads to other users.
If you see any issues on the roads, please report them to the Cumberland Council Highways team at www.cumberland.gov.uk. 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