One down, one to go - the latest on Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice in Cumbria

We're being warned we'll be hit with wind and snow tomorrow
Author: Grace MarnerPublished 17th Feb 2022
Last updated 17th Feb 2022

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A 'danger to life' weather warning's been issued for tomorrow (18th February), as thousands of homes, including some in Cumbria are still without power after yesterday's storm.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind across Cumbria yesterday as Storm Dudley hit the UK with up to 90mph gusts.

Power for the remaining 206 homes in our county without power is expected to be restored by 3pm this afternoon.

Disruption to travel is ongoing this morning after falling trees caused issues on the railway line yesterday between Oxenholme and Penrith as well as the track between Wigton and Aspatria. There was also issues on the Carlilse line, after the overhead electric wires were damaged, affecting all lines to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

ScotRail say it could be lunchtime until their services are up and running.

The Windermere Ferry also had to suspend their service.

There were also several delays on the roads. The A66 was closed to high sided behicles, while several fallen trees also caused delays while the council removed them.

Flood alerts in place for Cumbria today

Although there are no weather warnings until the early hours of tomorrow morning, we have got some flood alerts along the Cumbrian coast as Storm Dudley's affect is still felt with higher tides.

They're in place on the coast between Silloth and St Bees and then also for the coast between Gretna and Silloth.

Further south of the county, Keswick Campsite and the coast from St Beeds Head to Millom and along the coast from North Head to Haverigg both have flood warnings - a step above a flood alert.

People are being asked to avoid the beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths as there's a danger to life.

But we do have a short lull to prepare ourselves for the next onslaught of difficult weather conditions, as Storm Eunice is next to arrive.

How will Storm Eunice affect Cumbria?

The Met Office's next warning for Cumbria comes into force at 3am tomorrow morning and will last until 6pm that evening.

The yellow warning for wind and snow covers the entirety of Cumbria, as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland - it even goes down as far as Sheffield and Manchester.

Forecasters are expecting the snow to be heavier in areas of higher ground.

There's also a chance of travel delays on roads and rail services, and it's being recommended people try and avoid travel.

We'll bring you the latest updates with the weather as we get them.

9.45am

Cumbria County Council say all of the main roads have been cleared following flying debris and falling trees thanks to Storm Dudley yesterday

11.36am

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for Storm Eunice tomorrow for parts of south-west England - meaning there's a danger to life from flying debris.

It's a different story up here in Cumbria though. We've got a yellow weather warning in place for wind and snow in the northern half of the county.

12.06pm

TransPennine Express is urging their customers NOT to travel tomorrow.

It'll be running a minimal train plan as emergency speed restrictions are being put in place by Network Rail.

The train company is encouraging customers to travel today (17th February) or on Saturday (19th February) instead.

Paul Watson, Operations Director for TransPennine Express said: “Storm Eunice will be the second storm to impact our services this week and it is likely to cause major disruption to train services, right across the North of England and into Scotland.

“The most important thing is that our customers and staff are kept safe, and we are urging customers not to travel by train on Friday 18 February. We are instead asking customers to make their journeys on either Thursday 17 or Saturday 19 February.

“The situation with the weather is changing all the time, and customers should continue to check our website or National Rail Enquires for the latest information.”

12.15pm

A further 403 homes in Cumbria are now experiencing a power outage.

Electricity North West has already restored power to over 10,000 homes since Storm Dudley hit the UK yesterday.

1.01pm

Highways England have announced they'll be closing the A66 heading north towards Penrith at midnight tonight.

They say it's due to the forecast snow which can cause difficult driving conditions.

Workers will be out with ploughs and snow blowers and it's hoped it'll be back open again by the morning.

2.39pm

A yellow warning for wind is in place from 7am tomorrow morning. Cumbria County Council are asking people to report any power cuts, water supply issues, or road issues.

6:42pm

People are being urged to stay home and avoid travelling as a red weather warning has been put in place ahead of Storm Eunice arriving in the south of England.

It's the Met Office's highest alert level and means there's a danger to life.

Here in Cumbria there's a yellow warning in place, which means less danger - but we should still be extra careful.

Wind and showers are due through this evening. Then Storm Eunice arrives after midnight, bringing a spell of heavy rain and hill snow, accompanied by strengthening winds. Cloud will build from the south, with a patchy frost in the north too.

Hear all the latest news from across Cumbria on the hour, every hour, on 96.4FM, 102.2FM, 102.5FM, 103.4FM, DAB, at cfmradio.co.uk, and on the CFM app.