Westmorland and Furness Council is issuing early advice to keep people informed ahead of an Amber Weather Warning for heavy rain issued for the central Lakes area of Cumbria, and Yellow Warning for the entire area.
Over 200mm of rain is expected throughout the period and we are expecting significant surface water issues and flooding across our highways network.
Expected conditions
Early predictions are the very heavy and persistent rainfall is expected to lead to some flooding and transport disruption
Over 200mm of rain is expected throughout the period and in Westmorland and Furness, we are expecting significant surface water issues and flooding across our highways network.
The Met Office reports that potential impacts could include:
- Flooding of homes and businesses, with the possibility of damage to buildings
- Fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing a danger to life
- Delays or cancellations affecting train and bus services
- Difficult driving conditions and possible road closures caused by spray and flooding
- Some communities potentially being cut off due to flooded roads
- Possible power cuts and disruption to other essential services
- Potential interruptions to Windermere Ferry services.
We encourage people to stay informed, take extra care when travelling, and follow any safety advice issued during the weather event.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s proactive response
Westmorland and Furness Council have highways teams ready to respond to the forecast heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
With the ground already saturated from recent rainfall, we are expecting some localised flooding and surface water.
Gulley wagons will be deployed across the area to tackle any highways flooding or standing water issues. Additional staff will be available to provide further support.
Our teams will continue to monitor conditions closely and respond where needed to keep our highways as safe and accessible as possible.
Support for communities during flooding
As you will be aware, the Council no longer provides sandbags, it is the responsibility of homeowners to make their own preparations for potential flooding.
Across Westmorland and Furness, there a number of community resilience groups and flood action groups who support residents in their communities to prepare for potential flooding and other emergencies.
The Council remains is responsible for responding to flooding caused by a highways asset, while any other flooding issues should be reported directly to the source of the problem.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Cumbria Prepared website to understand the risks to their property and learn how to prepare effectively for flooding.
It is also recommended people sign up to flood alerts.
Who to contact in flooding or for other events
If flooding is occurring, it is important to find out the root cause and contact the landowner, but if life is in danger, call 999 first.
The council is responsible for flooding caused by a highway asset, but any flooding from other sources must be resolved by the relevant external agencies.
To report any issues - or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable - please see the following agencies’ contact details:
Sewers and burst water mains
Contact your local water company for flooding caused by sewers and burst water mains. Enter your postcode to find out your waste water provider.
River that’s burst its banks
Call the Environment Agency (EA), call their 24-hour Floodline at 0345 988 1188 for advice, warnings, or to report river/sea/reservoir issues, but if life is in danger, call 999 first.
Water supply issues
If you have a problem with your water supply, call United Utilities on 0345 672 3723
Flooding on roads in Westmorland and Furness
For highways emergencies that require immediate attention in Westmorland and Furness such as flooding in the road or a fallen tree, call Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306.
For less serious issues, complete the Westmorland and Furness highways online reporting form
Flooding on roads in Cumberland
General problems with the roads in Cumberland can be reported to Cumberland Council Highways online reporting form or in an emergency, call the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
Power outages
Electricity North West can be contacted on 105 for power cuts, but please only call if your query is urgent to help prioritise customers in the most vulnerable circumstance. For more information, please visit www.enwl.co.uk.
Cumbria Police
Call 999 in emergency situations where someone is in immediate danger or Call 101 for non-emergency enquiries.
Advice for communities
At this stage, residents are asked to plan ahead and:
- Speak in advance to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages
- Be aware of the weather warning and avoid planning travel during this time if possible
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route
- If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates
- Avoid walking near to or swimming in rivers as water is expected to be high and fast flowing
- Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the affected times.
Keep up to date with the latest information
For the latest information and updates follow your local authority on social media:
- Westmorland and Furness on Facebook
- Westmorland and Furness website
- Cumberland Council on Facebook
- Cumberland Council website
- For the latest traffic and roads information visit the Cumbria Constabulary traffic map
Stay up to date with the latest forecast and sign up to Met Office weather alerts.