More flooding hits Cumbria as heavy rain returns

Updated
Stranded Sheep Rescued by Sheep Dog from Island in Ambleside, UK
Stranded Sheep Rescued by Sheep Dog from Island in Ambleside, UK

Flooding is hitting parts of Cumbria again as the county is lashed by more heavy rain.

Parts of Glenridding, a village that was cut off by an earlier deluge, has flooded for the second time in weeks and flood warnings have been issued across the county.

Appleby, Carlisle, Kendal and Keswick are on alert with 11 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and there are 14 flood alerts across Cumbria, the Environment Agency said.

Cumbria police said forecast rainfall is not likely to be near the amount that fell during Storm Desmond, but further rain will be falling on already saturated ground and the public should keep away from rivers.

The force said the rain is likely to cause surface flooding on roads across the county and warned motorists to be aware of the deteriorating conditions.

Chief Inspector Matt Kennerley said: "It is imperative that motorists react to the weather conditions and adapt their driving style accordingly.

"Please do not in any circumstance ignore road closure signs and continue on your journey. Driving through flood water is extremely dangerous as you cannot determine the depth."

People with cars in New Road car park in Kendal, next to the River Kent, have been warned to move their vehicles in case the river floods the area.

The A591 is flooded at Prizet in both directions, with flooding also on the A65 at Endmoor, and the Crooklands roundabout and the A591 at Helsington.

The Environment Agency (EA) said heavy rainfall is expected to affect parts of Wales and the north of England today, with flooding of some properties and disruption to travel possible.

The risk continues over the coming days and includes other regions of the UK including the North East in Durham, along with the River Wye in Herefordshire, the River Severn in Shropshire and Worcestershire and the River Ouse in York, there is a possibility of sections of roads being flooded, travel disruption and delays due to temporary flood defences being deployed.

On Thursday there is a low risk of coastal flooding on the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire coastlines due to spray and wave overtopping affecting some properties, and some flooding along coastal roads and promenades.

The Met Office said further spells of heavy rain are likely to affect parts of Wales and north-west England this afternoon with the possibility of localised flooding of roads and properties, with the situation remaining "sensitive" in some areas affected by recent flooding.

But it forecasts Wednesday to be largely dry with sunny periods in the North West before heavy rain on Christmas Eve which will clear before more rain falls on Christmas Day.

In Glenridding locals were once again sandbagging doorways as heavy rain fell, while in Keswick the Greta Bridge was closed as the river level inched ever higher.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Rain falling last night and today has led to a rise in some river levels in Cumbria. This will continue throughout the day.

"The amount of rainfall forecast would not usually lead to disruption, but with saturated ground and river levels already high, there may be further flood impacts to roads and potentially some properties.

"Our operational activity is ongoing with teams taking action to reduce the potential impacts of flooding and supporting those communities affected.

"Environment Agency staff are on the ground ready to help residents in the event of flooding.

"Persistent rainfall in Wales could also see parts of Herefordshire and Shropshire experience isolated flooding impacts from the River Wye and River Severn.

"As of 12.45pm there are 21 flood warnings and 61 alerts in England and Wales.

"There is currently the possibility for further unsettled weather during the festive period which could lead to some disruption in the North of England.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and will issue further flood alerts and warnings if required. Our teams are working as part of a multi-agency response, checking and maintaining flood defences, clearing blockages in rivers and working with local flood wardens.

"People should remember never to drive through flood water - just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car."

The latest updates on flooding can be found at www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

Charles Visits Cumbria Residents Affected by Storm Desmond Floods
Charles Visits Cumbria Residents Affected by Storm Desmond Floods

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