Staying safe in strong winds

High winds can cause travel disruption and problems with electricity supply. There is some things you can do to prepare:

secure 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 in advance to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours - advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages
check your torch batteries, radio and 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
be aware of the weather warning and avoid travel during this time if possible
if you must travel, do so with caution - pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates
stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times
stay away from the fells well in advance of the affected times
never drive through a road closure we have put in place, take an alternative route
do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down

Electricity North West have some top tips on how to prepare for a power cut on their website. There is also advice from the Met Office.

Problems with road and highways

Problems with the roads in Cumberland including fallen trees, can be reported to Cumberland Council or on the Highways Hotline.

You can also report a problem if it is in the Westmorland and Furness area.

A list of schools that are closed can be found on our website by visiting school closures.

Sometimes during stormy weather we have to cancel waste collections - such as when a road is blocked. Check our waste collection webpages and social media feeds for more information before reporting a missed collection.

If your bin goes missing, do check it hasn't been blown down the road, before reporting it to us.